Nursing in Ohio

Ohio has over 160 nursing programs spread across about 60 cities. Most schools cluster around major urban centers such as Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Akron. The state’s concentration of programs in metropolitan areas can create both opportunities and competition in these job markets.

The Ohio nursing job market in 2026 remains strong but uneven. Registered nurses earn an average of $84,430 annually, but salaries differ widely by region and specialty. Urban areas like Columbus and Cleveland offer higher wages, while rural parts of the state pay less, contributing to a range from about $64,000 up to over $105,000 for general RNs. Advanced practice nurses earn substantially more: nurse practitioners average roughly $123,000 yearly, and certified registered nurse anesthetists can make over $210,000. Despite the steady demand for nurses statewide, hiring is competitive in well-served cities. Rural areas continue to seek more nurses.

Ohio’s NCLEX pass rates hover around 83.6% on average, which is slightly below the national average. Pass rates vary between 75.8% and nearly 90% depending on the nursing program. This difference often reflects that some schools, particularly a few for-profit programs, struggle with student retention and preparation quality. Public community colleges and established university programs tend to report higher pass rates while private and for-profit institutions sometimes perform lower.

Ohio is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses licensed here cannot automatically work in most neighboring states without applying for additional licenses. This can add time and cost if you plan to work across state lines, especially since only Indiana among Ohio neighbors is part of the compact. This limits short-term mobility but stays consistent with Ohio’s regulatory preference for state-controlled licensing.

Tuition for nursing programs in Ohio varies. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs offered mainly at community colleges typically range from $5,000 to $9,000 for the full course. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs average $8,000 to $15,000, again more affordable when taken at public institutions. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees from public universities generally cost between $10,000 and $22,000 per year while private universities can charge $30,000 or more per year. Ohio’s lower living costs compared to national metro averages help offset tuition but urban areas like Columbus have seen rising housing expenses.

Ohio’s key healthcare employers include large systems such as Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, and University Hospitals, which provide extensive clinical placement opportunities but also high competition for jobs. Rural nursing shortages remain in parts of Appalachia and northwest Ohio, highlighting geographic challenges in employment and education access.