Average Registered Nurse Salary in Ohio
Registered Nurses in Ohio earn an average of $88,399 per year across 3 metro areas. This is +5.6% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$88,399
per year
Hourly Rate
$42.50
per hour
vs National
-5.6%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$58,462
to $127,604
About Registered Nurse Careers in Ohio
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Ohio, registered nurses earn an average of $88,399 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $58,462 for entry-level roles to $127,604 for the most experienced professionals — +5.6% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Ohio.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$88,399
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$97,142
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Ohio's cost of living (below average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $88,399 has the purchasing power of $97,142 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Ohio
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | $89,400 | $42.98/hr | $59,704 | $126,927 | 3,105 |
| Cleveland, OH | $89,395 | $42.98/hr | $58,322 | $128,368 | 3,113 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $86,402 | $41.54/hr | $57,359 | $127,516 | 2,467 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Ohio vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Ohio
There are approximately 8,685 Registered Nurses employed across 3 metro areas in Ohio.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
State Income Tax: 0% - 3.99%
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Ohio
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$58,462
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$88,399
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$127,604
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Ohio
Pharmacist
$128,483
avg in OH
+$40,084 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$118,713
avg in OH
+$30,314 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$85,137
avg in OH
-$3,262 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$56,885
avg in OH
-$31,514 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$36,109
avg in OH
-$52,290 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Ohio with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Ohio?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Ohio is $88,399 per year ($42.50/hour) based on 2026 data across 3 metro areas. This is 5.6% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Ohio?
Columbus, OH is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Ohio, with a median salary of $89,400 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Cincinnati, OH at $86,402.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Ohio?
Registered Nurse salaries in Ohio range from $58,462 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $127,604 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $88,399 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Ohio. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.