Columbus vs Cincinnati: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbus, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,878 | $133,140▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.96 | $64.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,409▲ | $92,805 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,295 | $115,161▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,364 | $141,406▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,434 | $168,117▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,140▲ | 2,820 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Cincinnati is $4,262 (3.31%). Cincinnati's median is -2.72% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $52,025,Cincinnati spans $75,312. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($139,604 effective) pays 3.41% more than Columbus ($134,995 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,140/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,117)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,604)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Columbus grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$102,690 (2019) → $124,580 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$100,110 (2019) → $128,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Columbus or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Cincinnati as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Columbus vs Cincinnati?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov