Thinking about relocating to Ohio? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary in the state is $70,772 compared to the national average of $82,628.
Of course, income can vary depending on an individual’s age, occupation, and education level, for example.
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Table of Contents
Key Points
• The average annual salary in Ohio is $70,772, which is approximately $12,000 less than the national average. However, the state’s cost of living is also lower.
• Salaries increase by age up to 65 years old, at which point they decrease due to retirement.
• Generally, salaries increase with the level of education attained, rising significantly with advanced degrees. However, some well-paying jobs in fields such as law enforcement, technology, and aviation may not require a degree.
• Higher salaries can typically be found in more populous cities and counties in Ohio.
• Jobs in medicine, business, aviation, and technology can offer six-figure salaries, while service jobs averaged less than $37,500 per year in 2024.
Average Salary in Ohio by Age
As in other states, the median salary in Ohio tends to increase with age and experience and decline after retirement. If you have an entry-level position and want to increase your earnings over time, this can be good news.
Here’s a look at the annual median household salary in Ohio by age range based on a 2025 Neilsberg analysis of publicly gathered data.
| Age range | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 15 to 24 | $40,634 |
| 25 to 44 | $78,756 |
| 45 to 64 | $84,899 |
| 65 and over | $51,608 |
Source: Neilsberg
Salaries also often increase with the level of education, as Census Bureau data below shows:
• No high school diploma: $32,468
• High school diploma: $40,684
• Some college/two-year degree: $47,953
• Bachelor’s degree: $70,470
• Graduate/professional degree: $90,191
Regardless of where you are in your career path, it’s a good idea to stay on top of your finances. Online tools, such as a money tracker, can help you keep tabs on where your money is coming from and going to.
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Average Salary in Ohio by City in 2026
Where you live in Ohio can impact your earnings. The more populated a metropolitan area is, the higher incomes tend to be. Here’s a look at the median annual salary of households in 11 major cities in Ohio:,
| City | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Akron | $48,076 |
| Canton | $43,188 |
| Cincinnati | $52,909 |
| Cleveland | $40,801 |
| Columbus | $66,082 |
| Dayton | $45,247 |
| Indian Hill | $234,821 |
| Mansfield | $44,540 |
| Springfield | $47,143 |
| Toledo | $49,724 |
| Youngstown | $34,408 |
Source: Census Bureau
Average Salary in Ohio by County in 2026
Another way to look at salaries in Ohio is by county. The ten most populous counties in the state have the following median incomes:,
| County | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Franklin | $75,176 |
| Cuyahoga | $64,468 |
| Hamilton | $72,470 |
| Summit | $71,622 |
| Montgomery | $66,139 |
| Lucas | $62,224 |
| Butler | $81,590 |
| Stark | $67,934 |
| Lorain | $73,347 |
| Warren | $110,132 |
Source: Census Bureau
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Examples of the Highest-Paying Jobs in Ohio
Ohio has high-paying jobs in many sectors, such as medical, business, aviation, and technology. As a result, the state has opportunities for introverts and for professionals who love working with people.
Here’s a list of the highest-paying jobs in the state:
| Profession | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist | $500,440 |
| Surgeon | $505,370 |
| General Pediatrician | $225,450 |
| CEO | $273,990 |
| Airline Pilot | $277,580 |
| Computer Systems Manager | $170,290 |
| Architectural/Engineering Manager | $162,290 |
| Physicist | $143,270 |
| Sales Manager | $146,930 |
| Financial Manager | $151,520 |
Source: BLS
In contrast, the lowest average salaries in Ohio appear primarily in service industries. Baggage porters and bellhops, cashiers, short-order cooks, childcare workers, and housekeeping cleaners are examples of jobs that make an average of less than $37,500 per year.
If you’re looking to maximize your salary, online tools like a budget planner app could help. Besides monitoring spending, it helps you set a budget and track your progress.
The Takeaway
Pay depends on many factors, including age, occupation, education, and location. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average salary in Ohio is $70,772, which is lower than the national average salary of $82,628. However, the state also offers jobs with six-figure salaries, especially in the medical, business, aviation, and technology fields. Ohioans enjoy a cost of living that’s lower than the national average, which can help workers stretch their wages.
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FAQ
What is a good average salary in Ohio?
A good salary meets your basic needs while leaving you with some money for savings. NBC Bay Area News found that to be considered middle class in Ohio, you should earn at least $45,175 a year.
What is the average gross salary in Ohio?
In 2024, the average gross salary — or money earned before taxes and other payroll deductions — was $62,280 a year in Ohio, per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That translates into a monthly salary of $5,190.
What is the average income per person in Ohio?
The average income per person in Ohio is $70,772, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That translates into a monthly salary of approximately $5,898.
What is a livable wage in Ohio?
A livable wage in Ohio for a single adult is $43,674. Households with multiple people will need more. For example, if you and your spouse both work and have one child, you could get by with around $91,253 a year in Ohio, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.
About the author
Ashley Kilroy
Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/jacoblund
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