Bowling Green vs Columbus: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bowling Green, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,225 | $128,878▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.21 | $61.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,226 | $103,409▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,692▲ | $106,295 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,806▲ | $138,364 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,157▲ | $155,434 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 3,140▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Columbus is $3,653 (2.92%). Columbus's median is -5.83% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $57,931,Columbus spans $52,025. Bowling Green has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bowling Green ($138,065 effective) pays 2.27% 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 Bowling Green if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,157)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,065)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,878/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bowling Green grew 9.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Bowling Green, OH
$110,850 (2024) → $121,049 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$102,690 (2019) → $124,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bowling Green or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Columbus?
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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