Healthcare Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

Registered Nurse Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median registered nurse salary in Cleveland, OH is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.3% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$71,474
vs State Avg
$-3,248
vs National
$-9,746
Cost of Living
86%

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

Cleveland offers a median registered nurse salary of $71,474, which is $3,248 below the Ohio state average of $74,722. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,474 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,109 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Cleveland spans from $50,512 at the 10th percentile to $106,304 at the 90th percentile — a $55,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,040, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $50,512
25th Percentile $58,784
Median (50th) $71,474
75th Percentile $88,968
90th Percentile $106,304

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$78,783
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$74,722
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$69,849
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$68,225
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Cleveland

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Cleveland 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 Cleveland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open registered nurse positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $50,512 (10th percentile) to $106,304 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,474, a registered nurse in Cleveland earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Cleveland's median registered nurse salary of $71,474 is 4.3% below the Ohio state average of $74,722. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $71,474 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Cleveland? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Cleveland 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.