Registered Nurses Salary in Cleveland, OH

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Cleveland, OH

Median annual salary $81,970 -12.4% vs national
Median hourly $39.41
10th percentile $74,920
90th percentile $104,330
Employed locally 28,100
National median $93,600

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    In Cleveland, OH, Registered Nurses earn a median annual salary of $81,970 and a median hourly wage of $39.41 as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2025. This income is notably higher than the area's median household income of $68,507, indicating that registered nurses in Cleveland typically earn well above the local average for households. However, when compared to the national median annual salary for Registered Nurses, which stands at $93,600, Cleveland’s earnings are slightly lower. Despite this, the relatively low unemployment rate of 3.80% in the area suggests a healthy demand for nursing professionals.

    The salary spectrum for Registered Nurses in Cleveland varies based on experience level. Entry-level nurses tend to earn salaries near the 10th percentile mark at $74,920 annually, while more experienced nurses can expect to reach or exceed the 75th percentile with incomes around $99,470 per year. At the higher end of the scale, those in the top 10% earn approximately $104,330 annually. This significant disparity is driven by factors such as years of experience, specialization, certifications, and the type of healthcare facility they work in—hospitals often offering higher salaries compared to clinics or private practices. The career progression for nurses typically involves advancing through clinical expertise and taking on roles with greater responsibility, which naturally correlates with higher earnings.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $74,920
    25th
    $79,340
    50th (median)
    $81,970
    75th
    $99,470
    90th
    $104,330

    Cleveland economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,507 2023 • Census ACS
    Registered Nurses salary vs area income 120% Median Registered Nurses salary is 20% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Cleveland?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in Cleveland, OH is $39.41, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $51.98 or more per hour.

    Is Cleveland above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in Cleveland, OH is 12.4% below the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in Cleveland?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $74,920 per year in Cleveland, OH. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $79,340.