Registered Nurse Salaries in Ohio — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a registered nurse make in Ohio? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $81,250/yr ($39.06/hr), with around 138,360 people working in this field statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in Ohio are below the national average by approximately $8,926. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean registered nurses in Ohio enjoy reliable job security.
Ohio Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Ohio after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Ohio Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Ohio median of $81,250.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Ohio
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Ohio — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Ohio has seen 13.9% wage growth for registered nurses — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Ohio's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Ohio
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $90,200 | $43.37 | +11.0% | 48,426 |
| Cleveland | $86,100 | $41.39 | +6.0% | 38,740 |
| Cincinnati | $83,700 | $40.24 | +3.0% | 24,904 |
| Toledo | $78,000 | $37.50 | -4.0% | 12,452 |
| Akron | $73,950 | $35.55 | -9.0% | 8,301 |
| Dayton | $70,700 | $33.99 | -13.0% | 5,534 |
Tip: Columbus offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Ohio at $90,200/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Ohio vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Ohio sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Ohio has a state income tax rate of up to 3.75%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Ohio
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Ohio is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Ohio job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean registered nurses in Ohio enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Ohio
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Ohio typically adds $66,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Columbus pays registered nurses $90,200/yr — +11.0% above the Ohio average. Simply relocating within Ohio can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Ohio. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Michigan pays registered nurses $85,670/yr — 5.4% vs Ohio.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Ohio
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Ohio:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Ohio — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Ohio — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Columbus, OH→