Cincinnati vs Dayton: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,092▲ | $86,891 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.36▲ | $41.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,421 | $74,960▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,806▲ | $83,595 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,069▲ | $105,036 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,882▲ | $108,712 |
| Total Employed | 28,520▲ | 11,640 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Dayton is $1,201 (1.38%). Cincinnati's median is -14.25% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $41,461,Dayton spans $33,752. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dayton ($93,740 effective) pays 1.48% more than Cincinnati ($92,369 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,092/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,882)
- ✓Larger job market (28,520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,740)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Cincinnati grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$67,380 (2019) → $83,650 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$67,900 (2019) → $82,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Cincinnati or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Dayton as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Cincinnati vs Dayton?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov