Cleveland vs Mentor: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Cleveland, OH and Mentor, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Mentor, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,397▲ | $82,147 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.50▲ | $39.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,004▲ | $61,980 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,691▲ | $69,697 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,943▲ | $90,753 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,861 | $115,383▲ |
| Total Employed | 28,240▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mentor.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Mentor is $6,250 (7.61%). Cleveland's median is -13.95% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $34,857,Mentor spans $53,403. Mentor 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, Cleveland ($94,116 effective) pays 3.92% more than Mentor ($90,570 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,397/year)
- ✓Larger job market (28,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,116)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Mentor if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,383)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Cleveland grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in Mentor over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$70,490 (2019) → $83,940 (2025)
Mentor, OH
$69,615 (2024) → $78,005 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Mentor, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Cleveland or Mentor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Mentor?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Mentor as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Cleveland vs Mentor?
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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