Ohio Registered Nurse (RN) Salary
Explore the complete guide to RN compensation. Review mean pay, percentiles, local hospital job demand, and specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements.
State Mean
$82,510
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$42.18
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$89,880
True Purchasing Power
vs National
-12%
Below US Mean
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, supplemented by real-time job posting salary data for current market comparison.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, RN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Registered Nurses in Ohio range from $66,980 (entry-level) to $105,290 (highly experienced) annually.
RN Salary by Metro Area in Ohio
Registered Nurse salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Ohio. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | $83,940 | $44.03 | +1.7% |
| Columbus | $83,900 | $42.68 | +1.7% |
| Cincinnati | $83,650 | $43.24 | +1.4% |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | $82,510 | $42.65 | +0.0% |
| Lima | $81,440 | $39.86 | -1.3% |
| Sandusky | $81,310 | $39.50 | -1.5% |
| Mansfield | $81,300 | $41.03 | -1.5% |
| Toledo | $81,050 | $41.63 | -1.8% |
| Akron | $80,770 | $41.38 | -2.1% |
| Cleveland-Elyria | $80,240 | $42.88 | -2.8% |
| Springfield | $80,060 | $38.93 | -3.0% |
| Dayton | $79,840 | $41.28 | -3.2% |
| Canton-Massillon | $79,610 | $40.90 | -3.5% |
| Youngstown-Warren | $78,680 | $38.47 | -4.6% |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman | $74,470 | $36.95 | -9.7% |
Job Market Salary Data
Compare official BLS survey data with actual salary ranges from recent job postings. Based on 8 job postings in Ohio over the past 12 months.
Current Job Openings in Ohio
12 Registered Nurse positions currently available in Ohio.
Top Hospitals Hiring RNs in Ohio
Ohio is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where RNs are in demand include:
View all open RN jobs in OhioOhio BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Registered Nurse and earn the salaries listed above, the Ohio Board of Nursing requires strict licensure and certification steps.
-
1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Ohio.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Registered Nurse track. Top Programs: North Central State College and Case Western Reserve University
-
3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
-
4
Advanced Practice Licensure: Apply for a Nurse Practitioner license or Furnishing Number through the state BON to prescribe medications. Apply for APN Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurse make in Ohio?
As of 2025, the median Registered Nurse salary in Ohio is $82,510 per year or $42.18 per hour. This is 12% below the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad RN in Ohio?
Entry-level Registered Nurses in Ohio typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $66,980. With 5-10 years of experience, RNs can expect to reach the median salary of $82,510 or higher.
Is Ohio a good state for RN salaries when considering the cost of living?
Ohio has a cost of living index of 0.92. When adjusting the raw median salary of $82,510 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $89,880. This means your dollar stretches further here, giving you more real purchasing power.
How much does an RN make an hour in Ohio?
The median hourly wage for an RN in Ohio is $42.18. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $50.62 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most RNs in Ohio?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Ohio, top employers hiring RNs include Cleveland Clinic, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Christ Hospital, Hillcrest Hospital.
What are the requirements to become an RN in Ohio?
To practice as a Registered Nurse in Ohio, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Are there RN programs in Ohio?
Yes, aspiring Registered Nurses can attend local programs such as North Central State College and Case Western Reserve University. Alternatively, many Ohio nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Registered Nurses in Ohio?
Yes, the demand for Registered Nurses remains strong in Ohio, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.