What the numbers say
About 28,100 registered nurses worked in the Cleveland metro in 2024, making it one of the larger nursing labor markets in the Midwest. The median annual wage was $81,970, essentially flat with the Ohio median of $81,250. The two figures are close enough that Cleveland offers no meaningful premium over the rest of the state.
The gap with the national median is more pronounced. The US figure was $94,511 in 2024, about 15% above what Cleveland nurses earned at the midpoint. That difference reflects how nursing pay clusters in states like California and Washington, which pull the national median up. Ohio, including its largest metro, sits in the middle of the national distribution.
The spread within Cleveland is relatively narrow. The 10th percentile came in at $74,920 and the 90th at $104,330, a range of roughly $29,400 from bottom to top. For a field with as many specialty and seniority differences as nursing, that range is tighter than what we see in many comparable metros. The mean of $89,950 runs about $8,000 above the median, which suggests a modest pull from higher earners at the senior end, but nothing dramatic.
For context, 28,100 is a substantial employment base. A market that size supports a range of settings, from large academic medical centers to community hospitals and outpatient clinics, though the wage data does not break out pay by setting or specialty.
Salary distribution
Where Cleveland registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $81,370 and $102,500, with a median of $83,940.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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How the Cleveland metro compares to other major Ohio metro areas for registered nurses.
- Columbus$83,900
- Cincinnati$83,650
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Cleveland, Ohio?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the Cleveland metropolitan area is $83,940.
- Does Cleveland pay more than the Ohio state average for Registered Nurses?
- The Cleveland metro median is +1.7% versus the Ohio state median of $82,510.
- How does Cleveland compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The Cleveland metro median is -14.6% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Cleveland?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $75,020 and the 90th-percentile at $108,120 for the Cleveland metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Cleveland CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.