Ohio Salaries 2025
Intel's mega-investment transforms heartland opportunity
Median Household Income
Ohio Salary Overview 2025
Ohio is experiencing a renaissance led by Intel's $20 billion semiconductor fabrication investment near Columbus—the largest private investment in Ohio history. The state's median household income of $62,000 sits below the national average, but Ohio's cost of living (90 index) and recent tax cuts (top rate now 3.5%) create excellent purchasing power.
Columbus has emerged as Ohio's growth engine—the only major Ohio city gaining population—with tech, healthcare, and financial services. Cleveland maintains healthcare excellence (Cleveland Clinic) and manufacturing heritage. Cincinnati offers corporate headquarters (P&G, Kroger) and improving urban core.
Ohio's tax reforms have made it increasingly competitive. The state eliminated taxes on income under $26,050 and capped the top rate at 3.5%. Combined with affordable housing, Ohio offers genuine value for families and professionals. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Ohio Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Ohio | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $62,000 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $81,500 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $34,500 | $37,638 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 3.5% | Varies |
Salaries by Ohio Region
Columbus Metro – Growth Engine
Median Household Income: $68,000
Columbus is Ohio's fastest-growing metro with tech, healthcare, finance, and Intel's transformative investment. Ohio State University creates talent pipeline. Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, and L Brands (Victoria's Secret) headquarters add corporate employment. Software engineers $80,000-$135,000, Intel semiconductor roles $85,000-$160,000, healthcare competitive.
Intel's New Albany campus will employ 3,000+ directly with tens of thousands in supplier ecosystem. Housing ($320,000 median) is rising but remains affordable for salaries.
Cleveland – Healthcare & Manufacturing
Median Household Income: $55,000
Cleveland Clinic is world-renowned, driving healthcare excellence. Manufacturing heritage continues with aerospace, automotive, and industrial. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and improving downtown attract young professionals. Very affordable ($180,000 median home in many areas) but economy has been slower than Columbus.
Cincinnati – Corporate Headquarters
Median Household Income: $60,000
Procter & Gamble, Kroger, Fifth Third, and numerous corporate headquarters create professional employment. Improving urban core, great food scene, and across-river access to Kentucky. Housing ($280,000 median) offers excellent value.
Dayton
Median Household Income: $48,000
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base drives aerospace and defense. Very affordable ($170,000 median) with manufacturing and healthcare employment.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $68,000 | $320,000 | Tech, Intel, Healthcare, Finance |
| Cleveland | $55,000 | $180,000 | Healthcare, Manufacturing |
| Cincinnati | $60,000 | $280,000 | Consumer Goods, Finance |
| Dayton | $48,000 | $170,000 | Aerospace, Defense |
Top Paying Industries in Ohio
Semiconductors (Intel)
Intel's $20B investment near Columbus creates transformative opportunity. Process engineers $90,000-$150,000, equipment engineers $85,000-$140,000, manufacturing technicians $50,000-$80,000. The facility will drive supplier ecosystem with tens of thousands of additional jobs. Ohio is positioning as a semiconductor hub.
Healthcare
Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among America's best hospitals. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, UC Health, and numerous systems add employment. Physicians $270,000-$450,000+, nurses $58,000-$82,000, healthcare IT $65,000-$120,000.
Financial Services & Insurance
Nationwide (Columbus), Progressive (Cleveland), Fifth Third (Cincinnati), and numerous regional players create insurance and finance employment. Actuaries $75,000-$160,000, analysts $55,000-$100,000, IT $70,000-$130,000.
Consumer Products
P&G (Cincinnati) is a premier consumer goods company. Marketing, R&D, supply chain, and corporate roles. Brand managers $90,000-$180,000, engineers $75,000-$130,000, finance $70,000-$140,000.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor (Intel) | $75,000 | $110,000 | $155,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $270,000 | $350,000 | $450,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $65,000 | $95,000 | $135,000+ |
| Consumer Products (P&G) | $70,000 | $110,000 | $180,000+ |
Ohio Tax Advantage
Reformed Income Tax (2025)
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $26,050 | 0% |
| $26,051 – $100,000 | 2.75% |
| $100,001+ | 3.5% |
| Salary | OH Tax | MI Tax (4.25%) | PA Tax (3.07%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | ~$935 | $2,550 | $1,842 |
| $80,000 | ~$1,485 | $3,400 | $2,456 |
| $100,000 | ~$2,035 | $4,250 | $3,070 |
Ohio's reformed tax is now among the lowest in the Midwest.
Note: Many Ohio cities have local income taxes (1-2.5%), adding to the burden.
Highest Paying Jobs in Ohio 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians (Cleveland Clinic) | $320,000 | $500,000+ |
| IT Directors | $140,000 | $185,000+ |
| Semiconductor Engineers | $120,000 | $165,000+ |
| Actuaries | $115,000 | $165,000+ |
| Software Architects | $130,000 | $170,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How transformative is Intel for Ohio?
Potentially very. $20B is the largest private investment in state history. 3,000+ direct jobs plus tens of thousands in supplier ecosystem. Intel has hinted at expansion to $100B. Columbus could become a semiconductor hub, similar to how Phoenix has grown.
Columbus vs. Cleveland vs. Cincinnati?
Columbus for growth, tech, and Intel opportunity. Cleveland for healthcare (Clinic is exceptional) and affordability. Cincinnati for corporate culture (P&G, Kroger) and urban charm. Columbus is growing fastest; Cleveland/Cincinnati are more affordable with strong anchors.
Is Ohio good value?
Excellent. Recent tax cuts, affordable housing, and solid job markets create strong purchasing power. A $70,000 salary in Ohio provides lifestyle equivalent to $100,000+ in many coastal metros.