Columbus vs Cincinnati: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Columbus, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,355▲ | $88,092 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.48▲ | $42.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,316 | $71,421▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,322 | $84,806▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,742 | $108,069▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,386 | $112,882▲ |
| Total Employed | 30,510▲ | 28,520 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cincinnati.
The salary gap between Columbus and Cincinnati is $263 (0.30%). Columbus's median is -13.99% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $40,070,Cincinnati spans $41,461. Cincinnati 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, Columbus ($92,548 effective) pays 0.19% 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 Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,355/year)
- ✓Larger job market (30,510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,548)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,882)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Columbus grew 31.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$63,940 (2019) → $83,900 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$67,380 (2019) → $83,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Columbus or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Cincinnati as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Columbus vs Cincinnati?
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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