Columbus vs Akron: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbus, OH and Akron, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Akron, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,878 | $131,475▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.96 | $63.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,409 | $109,460▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,295 | $111,147▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,364▲ | $135,313 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,434 | $159,954▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,140▲ | 1,050 |
Verdict
Akron, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Akron is $2,597 (2.02%). Akron's median is -3.94% 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,Akron spans $50,494. Columbus 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, Akron ($140,811 effective) pays 4.31% 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 Akron if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,475/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,954)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,811)
- ✓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 12.7% growth in Akron over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$102,690 (2019) → $124,580 (2025)
Akron, OH
$112,740 (2019) → $127,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
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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