Columbus vs Toledo: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Columbus, OH and Toledo, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Toledo, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,355▲ | $85,354 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.48▲ | $41.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,316 | $71,411▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,322▲ | $82,574 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,742▲ | $104,141 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,386▲ | $108,690 |
| Total Employed | 30,510▲ | 7,890 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Toledo.
The salary gap between Columbus and Toledo is $3,001 (3.52%). 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,Toledo spans $37,279. Columbus 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, Toledo ($93,329 effective) pays 0.84% more than Columbus ($92,548 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,386)
- ✓Larger job market (30,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Toledo if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,329)
- ✓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 27.0% growth in Toledo over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$63,940 (2019) → $83,900 (2025)
Toledo, OH
$63,830 (2019) → $81,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Toledo, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Columbus or Toledo?
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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