Cincinnati vs Lorain: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Lorain, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Lorain, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,092▲ | $86,546 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.36▲ | $41.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,421▲ | $58,310 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,806▲ | $73,740 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,069▲ | $98,501 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,882 | $119,034▲ |
| Total Employed | 28,520▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lorain.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Lorain is $1,546 (1.79%). 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,Lorain spans $60,724. Lorain has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lorain ($95,420 effective) pays 3.30% 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)
- ✓Larger job market (28,520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lorain if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,034)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,420)
- ✓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 12.1% growth in Lorain over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$67,380 (2019) → $83,650 (2025)
Lorain, OH
$73,343 (2024) → $82,182 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Lorain, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Cincinnati or Lorain?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Lorain?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Lorain as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Cincinnati vs Lorain?
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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