Average RN Salary in Ohio: See How Much OH Nurses Make
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Credit: Getty ImagesOhio has some of the largest hospital systems in the country, including the world-famous Cleveland Clinic. This guide outlines the typical range of registered nurse (RN) salaries Ohio employers offer, the cities where salaries are highest, how the cost of living affects your salary, and pay for other nursing jobs by comparison.
- Average Ohio RN Salary: $71,640 (Ranks 34th among all states)
- Hourly Ohio RN Salary: $38.44
- Projected Ohio RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 9.6%
Average RN Salaries in Ohio
As of May 2021, 129,270 RNs work in Ohio, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median RN salary for Ohio is $71,640, compared to the national median of $77,660. However, the cost of living in Ohio is considerably lower.
The lowest 10% of RN salaries Ohio nurses earn are $59,540 or lower, while the highest 10% are $94,690 or higher. Factors affecting salaries include experience, responsibilities, certifications, degree, and the type of workplace, as well as local cost of living.
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $59,540 | $28.62 |
| 25% | $61,340 | $29.49 |
| 50% (Median) | $74,080 | $35.62 |
| 75% | $78,990 | $37.98 |
| 90% | $94,690 | $45.53 |
Source:BLS
Ohio RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
The cost-of-living index provides a basis for comparing salaries and other economic information. It measures how much goods and services (housing, food, education, transportation, and healthcare) cost in a particular location, compared to the U.S. as a whole.
Ohio’s cost-of-living index is 91.7, which is 8.3% less than the national cost of living. This means the average RN salary Ohio healthcare providers offer is the equivalent of $77,586. Ohio then ranks 27th, almost exactly in the middle of all RN salaries across the country, in terms of earning power.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $77,586 (Ranks 27th among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 91.7 (8.3% lower than the U.S. average)
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Ohio
The Cleveland Clinic is one of the most renowned health systems in the world and even has global offshoots. As you would expect, salaries in the Cleveland area are the highest in the state, though Ohio’s other large cities come close.
Many Ohio cities offer a balance of the smaller-city cost of living and a sense of community with the attractions of larger cities, including strong sports teams, growing entertainment options, and developing cultural scenes.
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Cleveland — Elyria, OH | $74,900 |
| Columbus, OH | $73,270 |
| Cincinnati, OH — KY — IN | $72,400 |
| Dayton, OH | $72,150 |
| Akron, OH | $71,340 |
Source:BLS
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in Ohio
If you already work in nursing but are not yet an RN, earning your RN license can be an excellent investment. You can earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) in two years or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in four years. Either degree can prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN to become an RN.
If you already are an RN, you can increase your salary by earning a graduate degree and becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist.
- Nursing Assistants: $31,330
- LPN/LVNs: $48,030
- Nurse Midwives: $116,780
- Nurse Practitioners: $112,490
- Nurse Anesthetists: $187,410
Methodology and Sources
Registered nursing salary data by state is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, released on March 31, 2022. Data reflects RN salaries as of May 2021. The highest-paying cities and states for RNs are ranked by average annual salary.
Cost-of-living data is collected from the U.S Bureau of Economic Analysis real personal income for states and metropolitan areas, released on December 14, 2021. RN salary adjusted for cost of living is calculated by multiplying each state’s RN salary by its regional price parity (RPP). RPP measures differences in the cost of goods and services in a region compared to national prices.
Projected employment growth data by state is collected from Projections Central.
