How does a Registered Nurse's salary in Dayton compare to the rest of Ohio?

Dayton's cost of living index is 83 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $71,438 earns $16,838 more than the median household income in Dayton ($54,600).

Registered Nurse Salary in Dayton, OH — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Dayton's cost of living (index: 83). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Dayton — Key Numbers

$71,438

Median Salary

$57,179

25th Percentile

$89,383

75th Percentile

$110,124

90th Percentile

National median (Registered Nurse)$86,070

vs. National median-17.0%

Dayton median household income$54,600

vs. City household income+30.8%

Cost of Living in Dayton

Cost of Living Index

83(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$875/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio14.7%

Annual rent cost$10,500

Median Home Price$170,000

Home Price / Salary2.4×

20% Down Payment$34,000

Years to save (20% rate)2.4 yrs

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

Job Market in Dayton

4.7%

Unemployment Rate

820,000

Metro Population

22 min

Avg Commute

36.4

Median Age

Dayton has a metro population of 820,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.7% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Dayton

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Cost of Living — Dayton

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Registered Nurse Salary in Ohio

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Dayton

Physician$190,319 Chief Executive Officer$174,300 Dentist$145,673 IT Manager$140,693 Marketing Manager$130,825 Lawyer$120,981

Registered Nurse Salary — Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH$77,463 Cleveland, OH$73,160 Cincinnati, OH$78,324 Akron, OH$71,438 Toledo, OH$68,856

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Dayton, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Dayton is $71,438 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Dayton's cost of living index (83). The typical salary range runs from $57,179 (25th percentile) to $89,383 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $110,124.

Is Dayton affordable for a Registered Nurse?

On a $71,438 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Dayton would spend approximately 14.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($875/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Dayton relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $170,000 is 2.4× the annual salary.

How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to Dayton's overall income?

Dayton's median household income is $54,600. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $71,438 earns 30.8% more than the typical Dayton household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Registered Nurse — National Registered Nurse in Ohio All Salary Guides

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.