What Is the Average Wage in Ohio?
Gain a comprehensive understanding of average wages in Ohio, exploring influencing factors, comparisons, and how to access detailed earnings data.
Understanding the average wage in a region provides valuable insight into the economic landscape and potential earning capabilities. This figure offers a benchmark for personal income and financial planning. Examining wage data helps illustrate the economic environment, reflecting factors that influence earnings.
Understanding Ohio’s Current Wage Landscape
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides comprehensive data on employment and wages. For Ohio, the Occupational Employment Statistics (OEWS) program reported an annual mean wage of $59,890 for all occupations as of May 2023. This translates to a mean hourly wage of $28.79 for workers across the state. The mean wage is calculated by dividing total wages earned by the total number of workers.
Alongside the mean, the median wage offers another perspective by identifying the midpoint in the wage distribution. As of May 2023, the median hourly wage in Ohio was $22.45, which corresponds to an annual median wage of $46,696. The median is often considered a more representative measure as it is less influenced by exceptionally high or low earners, providing a clearer picture of typical earnings.
Key Factors Shaping Wages within Ohio
Wages across Ohio are not uniform; they are influenced by industry, geographic location, and an individual’s education and experience. Different sectors offer varying compensation levels based on demand for skills and industry profitability. For example, in May 2023, management occupations in Ohio reported a mean annual wage of $118,330, while food preparation and serving had a median hourly wage of $16.57. Data from May 2025 shows construction workers earning the highest average weekly wage at $1,561, contrasting with leisure and hospitality workers at $475.
Geographic location also plays a substantial role in wage differentiation. Major metropolitan areas, such as Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, typically exhibit higher average wages due to diverse industries and higher demand for specialized labor. For instance, workers in the Columbus metropolitan area had an average hourly wage of $31.39 in May 2024, which was above the state average. This often reflects the higher cost of living and increased economic activity in urban centers.
An individual’s educational attainment and professional experience directly correlate with their earning potential. Higher education generally leads to higher-paying positions. In Ohio, 2023 data indicates that individuals with a bachelor’s degree earned a median salary of $62,605, while those holding a graduate or professional degree earned $77,691, significantly more than the $36,919 median for high school graduates. As professionals gain more experience, their expertise results in increased compensation.
How Ohio’s Wages Compare
Placing Ohio’s wage data into a broader context reveals its economic standing compared to the national average. While Ohio’s average salary, reported by the BLS as $60,320, is slightly below the national average of $63,795 (2022 data), as of May 2025, Ohio’s average weekly wage of $1,126 was also less than the overall U.S. average.
An important aspect to consider is purchasing power, which accounts for the cost of living in a given area. Ohio consistently ranks with a lower cost of living than the national average, often estimated to be between 8% and 11% less expensive. This lower cost of living means that earnings in Ohio can often stretch further than in higher-cost states, effectively increasing real purchasing power. For example, the average weekly wage of $1,126 in Ohio in May 2025 had the purchasing power equivalent to $1,227 when adjusted for the state’s lower cost of living. Housing costs, a significant component of living expenses, are particularly notable for being below the national average in Ohio.
Accessing Detailed Wage Information
For those seeking specific wage data for occupations or industries within Ohio, several official sources provide detailed information. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics (OEWS) program is a primary resource, offering detailed wage estimates for hundreds of occupations across various geographic areas. These datasets allow users to filter information by job titles, industries, and metropolitan or non-metropolitan areas within Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) also provides labor market information, frequently drawing upon BLS data for state-specific insights. When utilizing these resources, verify the reporting period to ensure the data is current, as wage statistics are updated periodically. This helps in accurately interpreting the figures for personal or professional planning.