How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Ohio?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Ohio costs $350 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $75, license fee $75). Renewal runs $55 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in Ohio?

Licensed registered nurses in Ohio earn a median salary of $77,400/year, compared to $37,800/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in Ohio?

Ohio requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › Ohio

Registered Nurse License Cost in Ohio 2026: $350 Fees, $77K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Ohio costs $350 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in Ohio — Key Numbers

$350

Upfront Cost

$77K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$55

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Ohio

Exam fee $200

Application fee $75

Initial license fee $75

Total upfront $350

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $55

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (Ohio) $37,800/yr

Salary with license (Ohio) $77,400/yr

5-year net ROI $198K

Licensing body: Ohio Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in Ohio — What to Know

Ohio nursing demand is steady across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public health. The $77K median is below coastal averages but represents strong purchasing power at Ohio's cost of living. Rural healthcare is a growing area of demand in Ohio, where RN shortages are acute in remote counties. Travel nursing contracts to higher-paying states are common for Ohio-licensed nurses. The upfront licensing cost — NCLEX plus state fees — typically runs $400–$500.

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Other License Costs in Ohio

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← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in Ohio · Payback period by state

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