Much Do RNs Make in Ohio? Salary Breakdown & Tips

Key Takeaways 

• Registered nurses in Ohio earn an average annual salary of $93,76, with Cleveland and Mayfield offering the highest pay due to cost of living differences.
• The nursing field is expected to grow by 6% by 2033, with around 194,500 job openings. 
• Factors affecting RN salaries include location, education, experience, work settings, specialization, and work schedule. 

Understanding salary trends is critical for both aspiring and current RNs. For those considering a nursing career, salary insights help with career planning. For practicing RNs, staying informed about pay trends can influence career decisions and long-term financial planning. Being aware of these factors helps you gain a comprehensive insight into the healthcare industry and ensures you are fairly compensated for your contributions to the field.

Are you curious to know how much do registered nurses earn in Ohio? Keep reading to discover salary insights and practical tips to increase your income. 

What Is the Average Salary of an RN in Ohio?

A registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who provides patient care, health education, and advocacy by applying a holistic approach. Apart from their everyday clinical responsibilities, RNs also provide essential support and encouragement to patients during their healing journey. 

RNs in Ohio can expect competitive salaries, with the average annual pay reaching approximately $93,767 as of January 2025. This translates to an hourly wage of about $45.08. 

The relatively lower cost of living in Ohio allows RN salaries to go further, even though they may be slightly below the national average. This makes Ohio an attractive option for RNs, offering both financial stability and opportunities for growth in the profession.

RN Salary Across Different Ohio Cities and Regions

RN salaries in Ohio can differ widely across cities due to factors such as city size, demand for healthcare professionals, and the local cost of living, all of which influence compensation levels. 

Here’s a comparison of the average annual and hourly salaries in some of the highest-paying cities in Ohio: 

Due to higher living costs, metropolitan cities like Mayfield Heights and Cleveland offer higher salaries for RNs. This often happens due to the increased demand for healthcare professionals and the presence of major medical facilities in these areas. On the other hand, regions with lower living costs typically offer lower salaries to align with the local economy.

In these cities, nurses have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes. These establishments are key employers in the healthcare sector and offer pathways for career growth and specialization.

How Do RN Salaries Compare to Other Medical Jobs in Ohio?

Comparing RN salaries with those of other medical jobs in Ohio can provide valuable insights for making informed career decisions and gaining a better understanding of earning potential. 

Here’s a comparison of RN salaries and other healthcare roles in Ohio to help you better visualize the differences:

Factors Affecting RN Salaries in Ohio

It’s important for aspiring nurses to understand the key elements that affect nursing salaries, as this knowledge can guide informed decisions about their education and career path. Besides location, which we have explored above, other factors that can influence RN salaries are education, experience, work settings, specialization, and work schedule. In the following sections, we’ll explore these factors in greater detail and explain how they can either increase or decrease earning potential. 

Education

For RNs, the level of education plays a significant role in determining salary. 

In most cases, RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) earn more than those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). A BSN typically takes four years to complete and offers more comprehensive training in areas like research, leadership, and specialized care. This deeper level of education opens the door to higher-paying roles in management and specialized care settings. In contrast, RNs with an ADN typically complete their education in two years, allowing them to start their careers sooner but in lower-paying positions. 

Advanced degrees can also lead to higher-paying opportunities within the healthcare industry. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program equips RNs for advanced roles such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Manager, or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). These roles typically offer salaries of $97,466, $100,273, and $127,463 per year, respectively. 

Experience

Experience is a key factor in an RN’s salary. New RNs, just entering the field, generally start with direct patient care responsibilities. As they gain more experience, RNs often take on greater responsibilities, which can lead to higher pay. 

For example, experienced RNs may move into leadership positions such as charge nurse, manager, or supervisor, where they oversee teams of nurses and make critical decisions. These roles typically offer higher salaries due to the level of responsibility and expertise required.

Work settings

The type of work environment an RN works in can have a significant impact on salary. RNs can work in hospitals, outpatient centers, private practices, nursing homes, or home healthcare services. Each of the work settings presents unique challenges and rewards. 

• RNs working in hospitals often earn higher salaries, considering they offer intensive care, need specialized skills, and may work longer hours. 

• Outpatient centers may offer lower pay but provide more regular schedules and a less intense workload.

• RNs working in private clinics or ambulatory care may see lower salaries, as the workload tends to be less demanding. 

• Nursing homes typically offer moderate salaries, although these positions come with the responsibility of providing long-term patient care. 

• Lastly, home healthcare roles, while potentially offering lower pay than hospitals, provide greater flexibility and more personal interaction with patients. 

Specialization and additional certifications

RNs who choose to specialize in certain healthcare areas or obtain additional certifications can pursue more challenging roles, which require additional expertise and provide higher salaries. RNs can pursue certifications such as Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), Nurse Practitioner Certification, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR). For example, CRNAs earn an average of $210,760 per year.

Specialized RNs often work in high-demand environments, such as intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, or oncology wards, where their advanced skills are crucial. This expertise can significantly boost earning potential and provide more opportunities for career advancement.

Work schedule

An additional factor that affects RN salaries in Ohio is work schedule. Many healthcare institutions offer shift bonuses for nurses who work night shifts, weekends, or holidays. These shifts are less preferred by employees and often come with added responsibilities, so employers compensate accordingly. 

Furthermore, many employers offer overtime pay, typically at a rate of time-and-a-half or even double time for the hours you work beyond the regular schedule. The flexibility to choose shifts or take on extra hours allows RNs to tailor their work schedules to maximize their earnings while balancing other aspects of their lives.

Future Outlook for RN Salaries in Ohio

In 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average annual salary for registered nurses was $60,970. This figure has steadily increased over the past 13 years, reflecting a positive trend. According to the BLS, the job outlook for registered nurses in Ohio is projected to grow 6% by 2033. 

Around 194,500 job openings are expected each year over the next decade, largely due to the need to replace nurses who retire or transition to other careers. Additionally, the demand for nurses will increase as the aging population increases.

How to Increase Your Earnings as an RN in Ohio

If you’re planning to become an RN in Ohio, there are several strategies you can use to increase your earnings and achieve professional growth. These include:

• Advancing your education: Obtaining a BSN or MSN degree can open doors to higher-paying opportunities within the healthcare industry;

• Obtaining specialized certifications: Credentials like CCRN, CNOR, or CRNA can significantly increase your salary by demonstrating specialized expertise;

• Taking on additional shifts: Adjusting your schedule to include extra shifts, night work, weekends, or overtime can significantly increase your earnings;

• Networking: Building connections with other healthcare professionals is crucial as it can open doors to new career opportunities and potential promotions;

• Negotiating your salary: By researching pay rates and advocating for a higher salary during job interviews or performance reviews, you can secure fair and competitive pay. 

Conclusion

In Ohio, registered nurses enjoy fulfilling careers with competitive salaries influenced by factors such as location, education, experience, specialization, work setting, and work schedule. Advancing your education with a BSN or MSN can increase your job prospects and lead to higher-paying roles. Moreover, obtaining specialized certifications and taking on additional shifts can further boost your earning potential. For both current RNs and aspiring nurses, it’s essential to understand salary trends to navigate career decisions and maximize income. 

If you want to become a registered nurse, obtaining proper education is the first step towards your future. Here at the American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM), we’ve designed our programs to support your academic journey and career aspirations. Whether you’re just starting as a nursing student or seeking further specialization, we offer holistic nursing programs tailored to your needs. Join the AIAM family by applying today and take the next step in your nursing career! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do registered nurses in Ohio receive bonuses or benefits?

Yes, registered nurses in Ohio can be eligible for bonuses and benefits, including one-time bonuses or increases in their hourly rate. Shift differentials typically range from 5% to 20%, depending on whether the shift falls on nights, weekends, or holidays.

How does the cost of living in Ohio impact an RN’s salary?

The cost of living in Ohio is around 8.3% lower than the national average, while the average salary for an RN is $93,767. This means that RNs may experience a higher standard of living compared to states with higher living costs.