Cleveland vs Lancaster: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lancaster, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lancaster, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,313▲ | $125,186 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.06▲ | $60.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,760▲ | $99,129 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,209 | $112,608▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,399 | $147,412▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,958 | $161,460▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,320▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lancaster is $10,127 (8.09%). Cleveland's median is -1.13% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $54,198,Lancaster spans $62,331. Lancaster 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, Cleveland ($144,068 effective) pays 4.38% more than Lancaster ($138,022 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,313/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,068)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,460)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Cleveland grew 26.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$103,720 (2019) → $130,800 (2025)
Lancaster, OH
$110,816 (2024) → $121,011 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Lancaster, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Cleveland or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lancaster as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Cleveland vs Lancaster?
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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