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Military Enlisted Salary in Cleveland, OH β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Cleveland's cost of living (index: 85). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Cleveland β€” Key Numbers

$34,850
Median Salary
$25,075
25th Percentile
$48,280
75th Percentile
$62,900
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-15.0%
Cleveland median household income$52,600
vs. City household income-33.7%

Cost of Living in Cleveland

Cost of Living Index
85(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio32.7%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$175,000
Home Price / Salary5.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$35,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Cleveland

5.4%
Unemployment Rate
2,010,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
37.8
Median Age

Cleveland has a metro population of 2,010,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Cleveland, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Cleveland is $34,850 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Cleveland's cost of living index (85). The typical salary range runs from $25,075 (25th percentile) to $48,280 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $62,900.

Is Cleveland affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $34,850 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Cleveland would spend approximately 32.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $175,000 is 5.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Cleveland's overall income?

Cleveland's median household income is $52,600. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $34,850 earns 33.7% less than the typical Cleveland household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Cleveland has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.