--- title: Job Outlook for Nurses in Cincinnati url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/" type: campus-location date_published: 2025-09-21 date_modified: 2026-04-28 schema: @type: WebPage language: en-US word_count: 1042 reading_time: 6 min canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/" --- # Job Outlook for Nurses in Cincinnati Cincinnati ![Arizona College hero bars graphic](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg) # Job Outlook for Nurses in Cincinnati ![Icon for a Nursing Program Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/icon-shield-user.svg?w=1024) [Campus Overview](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/) ![Icon for a Nursing Program Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/icon-shield-user.svg?w=1024) [Campus Life](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/location/) ![How much do RNs make with a BSN degree](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/icon-faqs.svg?w=1024) [Campus FAQ](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/faq/) Nursing remains a cornerstone of healthcare, with demand for skilled professionals nationwide and the Cincinnati area is no exception. The field encompasses various roles, from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and vocational nurses (LVNs) to registered nurses (RNs), each contributing to patient care. Understanding the job outlook for nurses is essential, as it highlights the growing need for these roles and the stability they offer in today’s healthcare environment. The Job Outlook for Nurses in Ohio contains information compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and various other data sources to provide you with solid understanding of the job outlook, RN salary, and nursing opportunities in the Cincinnati metro area. Information in this overview will primarily focus on exploring the opportunities and professional landscape for those pursuing an RN career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. ## What is an RN or Registered Nurse? A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for a variety of patient care tasks. These include educating patients and families about health conditions, identifying and addressing potential medical issues, administering medications, and advocating for patient well-being. RNs also design, implement, and assess nursing care plans, making them essential in ensuring coordinated and effective patient care. ## How do you become a nurse in Cincinnati? In Ohio, there are several pathways to enter the nursing profession, depending on the type of nurse. For example, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) can start their careers after completing a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam. Those aiming to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), need to complete a practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. To become a registered nurse in Cincinnati, you’ll need to complete a  [nursing degree program](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/) . Among program choices, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is one of the most popular, providing graduates with a foundation in nursing education, a broad choice in specialties, and increased job growth potential. After earning a degree, graduates must take the  [National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN)](https://www.nclex.com/index.page). Passing the NCLEX-RN examination grants individuals eligibility to apply for a nursing license in the state where they intend to practice as a Registered Nurse. ## What is the median RN salary in Ohio? Nurses in Ohio, particularly in the Cincinnati metropolitan area, enjoy competitive salaries. The positive job outlook for nurses means that even those newly entering the field can often find stable employment, with the Cincinnati region, including cities like Hamilton, Westwood, and Forestville, offering favorable conditions for RNs. The median RN salary in Cincinnati, OH, is $84,371 annually, regional compensation vs. national compensation is highlighted below. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set_](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) For those reaching the top percentiles of the profession, the earning potential is even greater. Nationally, registered nurses in the 90th percentile earn an hourly wage of $65.06, which amounts to an annual salary of $135,320. According to May 2025 data, RNs in the 10th percentile, often those just beginning their careers or in entry-level roles, earn an hourly wage of $31.75, translating to an annual salary of $66,030. This range illustrates the potential for salary growth as RNs gain experience and advance in their careers. (Source:  [Registered Nurses BLS May 2025 Data](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=OH) ) ![Graphic of Median RN Salary in Ohio](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Registered-Nurse-Salary-Ohio.webp) ## Regional vs. National RN Compensation at a Glance Registered nurses in the Cincinnati, OH region earn a median salary that is 10% lower than the national average. This chart illustrates this regional difference. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set_](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) ![How much do registered nurses make in Cincinnati Ohio?](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Registered-Nurse-Salary-Cincinnati-Ohio.webp) ## Nursing Careers in Cincinnati The Cincinnati, OH metro area, is home to a growing nursing job market. - **Number of Registered Nurses:** The area is home to approximately 28,089 Registered Nurses, while the national average for an area this size is 23,289. - **Employment per 1000 jobs:** For every 1000 jobs, there are about 16 registered nurses in the area. These points highlight the opportunity for nursing professionals in and around Cincinnati. A career in nursing not only offers a stable and rewarding profession but also the opportunity to work in many different fields and specialties.  [_Source: BLS May 2024 Data_](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_38060.htm) ## Where do RNs work in Ohio? The Cincinnati metro area boasts a variety of large hospital networks, specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities. Arizona College of Nursing’s three-year BSN program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level roles across these sectors. Cincinnati offers job opportunities in both acute care and ambulatory settings, with growth projected for both these fields. Nurses also enjoy significant career flexibility. Beyond traditional day shifts, many healthcare institutions offer evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts. Employers often provide shift differentials, offering higher pay for non-day shifts, which can notably boost your RN salary in Ohio. ## What are the top Ohio cities by RN job postings? The top Ohio cities for total and unique registered nurse job postings are highlighted in the table below. These cities are key centers for nursing careers, offering a variety of opportunities for registered nurses across the state. _Date Range for Total & Unique Postings: June 2024 – May 2025. \*[Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set.](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source)_ | City | Total Postings | Unique Postings | | --- | --- | --- |
Cincinnati, OH8,6281,802
Hamilton, OH717302
Fairfield, OH1,033242
Batavia, OH487109
Middletown, OH281105
Mason, OH261101
Hebron, KY16483
Florence, KY13750
Blue Ash, OH13846
Covington, KY8734
Lebanon, OH15227
## What are the top industries hiring nurses in Ohio? The leading industries in Ohio are expanding rapidly, creating job opportunities across different fields. These sectors provide diverse career paths for professionals seeking to advance their careers. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) | Industries | Total (July 2024 – May 2025) | | --- | --- |
Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)4,570
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals5,801
Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists357
Kidney Dialysis Centers518
Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers234
Insurance Agencies and Brokerages164
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)174
Food (Health) Supplement Retailers87
Home Health Care Services108
Pharmacies and Drug Retailers108
Administration of Veterans’ Affairs62
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools32
## What kind of job growth is there for Registered Nurses in Cincinnati, Ohio? O\*NET OnLine projects positive job growth for nurses both nationally and within the Cincinnati metro area over the next decade. From 2024 to 2034, job growth for registered nurses in the United States is expected to grow 5%, potentially creating around 189,100 new nursing positions annually by 2034.  [_Source O\*NET OnLine_](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=OH) In Ohio, the nursing profession is expected to grow by 3%, with nearly 7,630 annual job openings projected between 2022 and 2032.  [_Source O\*NET OnLine_](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=OH) ## Job Posting Demand: Regional vs. National Comparison This section highlights key comparisons between the Cincinnati metro area and the national average in terms of job opportunities, compensation, and demand for nursing positions. It provides insights into how the Cincinnati area aligns with or differs from national trends across these key factors. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) ![Registered Nurse Job Postings Ohio](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Registered-Nurse-Jobs-Cincinnati-Ohio.webp?w=1024) ### Jobs (2025) The national average for an area this size is 23,289\* employees, while there are 28,089 here. ![Graphic of Median RN Salary in Ohio](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Registered-Nurse-Salary-Ohio.webp?w=1024) ### Compensation The national median salary for Registered Nurses is $93,600, compared to $84,371 here. ![Registered Nurse Jobs Ohio](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Nurse-Job-Posting-Ohio.webp?w=1024) ### Job Posting Demand The national average for an area this size is 1,393\* job postings/mo, while there are 1,186 here. _\*National average values are derived by taking the national value for Registered Nurses and scaling it down to account for the difference in overall workforce size between the nation and Cincinnati, OH. In other words, the value represents the national average adjusted for region size._ ## Employment Trends: Regional vs. National Averages The data highlights employment trends in the Cincinnati area, comparing them to national averages to provide a comprehensive view of job opportunities and demand. Notably, employment trends in Cincinnati are higher than the national average. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) ![Nursing School Ohio Nurse Employment](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Nursing-Program-Employment-Cincinnati-Ohio.webp) ## What is the job outlook for other nursing roles in Cincinnati and Ohio? Registered nurses (RNs) are essential to healthcare delivery, but they are not the only nursing professionals involved in patient care. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) also contribute significantly to patient care and support healthcare teams. Similar to RN roles, the outlook for LPNs and LVNs in Ohio remains promising. As of May 2025, data from the  [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-2061.00?st=OH)  reports that the national average annual wage for LPNs and LVNs is $62,340. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) On average, LPNs and LVNs earn less than registered nurses across the country. This difference is largely due to the broader scope of responsibilities that RNs take on in patient care compared to LPNs and LVNs. While LPNs and LVNs are vital to the healthcare system, those considering a nursing career should note that becoming an RN with a BSN offers more extensive career advancement opportunities than pursuing a role as an LPN. ## Industry Sectors with the Most Job Opportunities The graphic highlights the industry sectors where nursing jobs are most commonly found, with the majority of positions located within the general medical and surgical hospitals sector. This sector remains the largest employer of nursing professionals, offering numerous opportunities for career growth. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) | Industries | % of Occupation in Industry (2025) | | --- | --- |
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals62.4%
Offices of Physicians5.8%
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)5.5%
Home Health Care Services4.9%
Employment Services3.7%
Outpatient Care Centers3.2%
Other14.4%
## Who are the top nursing employers hiring in the Cincinnati area? The graphic showcases the top companies in the Cincinnati area that are leading the way in nursing job opportunities. These employers represent a diverse range of healthcare providers, offering significant contributions to the region’s healthcare system and attracting skilled nursing professionals. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) | Top Companies | Unique Postings | | --- | --- |
Mercyhealth945
UCHealth849
The Christ Hospital Health Network116
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center104
DaVita75
Elevance Health75
Frye Regional Medical Center28
Molina Healthcare63
Trihealth50
Meadowview Regional Medical Center48
## What are the top nursing job titles in the Cincinnati area? This graphic highlights the range of nursing job titles in demand across the Cincinnati area, offering insight into the roles shaping the local healthcare workforce. The variety of titles reflects the wide range of opportunities available within the nursing community. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) | Top Job Titles | Unique Postings | | --- | --- |
Registered Nurses683
Medical Surgical Registered Nurses190
Step Down Registered Nurses141
Hospice Registered Nurses135
ICU Registered Nurses118
Oncology Registered Nurses105
Home Health Registered Nurses100
Emergency Department Registered Nurses90
Telemetry Registered Nurses76
Travel Registered Nurses76
## What are the top skills in demand for nursing professionals? The graphic below showcases the top skills most in demand across nursing job postings, along with the projected growth for each skill. These competencies are key to staying competitive in the nursing field and are expected to influence future job opportunities. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) | Skill | Job Postings Requested | Projected Growth | | --- | --- | --- |
Registered Nurse (RN)4,93118.1%
Nursing3,85920.1%
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification2,03113.9%
Nursing Care1,54819.1%
Medication Administration1,54414.3%
Nursing Process1,37924.2%
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification1,14812.3%
Nursing Practices1,01119.6%
Intensive Care Unit8003.2%
Care Coordination70115.6%
## Leading Nursing Programs The chart below presents the nursing programs with the highest number of completions, underscoring the prominence of Registered Nursing as the primary choice for many nursing students. Other specialized fields, such as Nursing Administration and Family Practice Nursing, also demonstrate notable completion figures, highlighting growing interest in advanced nursing roles. \* [_Source: Lightcast Q2 2025 Data Set._](https://arizonacollege.edu/cincinnati-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-cincinnati/#source) | Top Programs | Completions (2023) | | --- | --- |
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse2,826
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing286
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing197
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing157
Nursing Practice147
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other102
## Do you need a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to be a nurse in Cincinnati? ![Nursing Program in Cincinnati Nursing School in Ohio](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Nursing-Program-in-Cincinnati-Nursing-School-in-Ohio.webp) While some entry-level nursing positions may not require a bachelor’s degree, several nursing associations, government bodies, and healthcare organizations acknowledge the value of the skills that BSN-prepared nurses bring to their roles and encourage employers to adopt the BSN as the standard for new hires in nursing. According to  _[The American Association of Colleges of Nursing](https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice)_ , nurses with a BSN are more adept at handling complex patient cases and are linked to better patient outcomes due to their advanced training. Though there are other entry points into nursing, pursuing a BSN opens up broader career prospects such as employment at a  [Magnet-designated](https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/)  hospital. With job growth, stability, and competitive compensation, nursing offers an excellent career path. ## Arizona College of Nursing is Here to Help If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Learn more about our BSN program here. _\*The included job listing data is sourced from proprietary job outlook reports developed by Lightcast. The information on this page is derived from data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and consolidated reports from Lightcast, except for indicated external links._