Registered Nurse Salary in Cincinnati, OH: $74,722 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Cincinnati: What to Expect (2026)

Cincinnati offers a median registered nurse salary of $74,722, which is $0 above the Ohio state average of $74,722. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Cincinnati pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Cincinnati's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Cincinnati spans from $52,808 at the 10th percentile to $111,136 at the 90th percentile — a $58,328 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,360, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,800. With a population of 309,317, Cincinnati is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Cincinnati by Experience

In Cincinnati, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $53,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,360

$-4,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$75,440

$-6,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$105,800

$-9,200 vs national

Percentile	Cincinnati	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$52,808	$52,808	$57,400
25th Percentile	$61,456	$61,456	$66,800
Median (50th)	$74,722	$74,722	$81,220
75th Percentile	$93,012	$93,012	$101,100
90th Percentile	$111,136	$111,136	$120,800

Percentile

Cincinnati

10th Percentile

$52,808

25th Percentile

$61,456

Median (50th)

$74,722

75th Percentile

$93,012

90th Percentile

$111,136

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Cincinnati

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Cincinnati and the surrounding Ohio area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cincinnati may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Cincinnati

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Cincinnati, OH? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Cincinnati, Ohio is $74,722 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $52,808 (10th percentile) to $111,136 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Cincinnati? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $74,722, a registered nurse in Cincinnati earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cincinnati compare to the Ohio state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Cincinnati's median registered nurse salary of $74,722 is 0.0% above the Ohio state average of $74,722. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cincinnati, OH? ▼

Cincinnati has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $74,722 in Cincinnati has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Cincinnati? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Cincinnati require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Cincinnati, Ohio