Highest Paying Jobs in Ohio 2026: Top Salaries, Projections & How to Get Started
Ohio's job market in 2026 offers lucrative opportunities, especially in healthcare, technology, and executive roles. Drawing from BLS projections, Tallo.com, Nexford University, and sources like Ohio State University (OSU) and Research.com, this guide ranks the top-paying careers. Healthcare dominates with physicians topping $393k, while IT and finance roles exceed $150k in key metros. Compare cities like Cleveland and Columbus, learn education requirements, job outlooks, and actionable steps--ideal for job seekers, career changers, and students planning ahead. With Ohio's housing 18% below national averages (Playroll), high salaries stretch further here.
Quick Answer: The Best Paying Job in Ohio for 2026
Cardiologists lead as Ohio's highest paying job in 2026, averaging $393,965 annually (Tallo.com). Specialized physicians like surgeons and anesthesiologists follow closely, often exceeding $200k–$450k with experience. This edges out real estate brokers ($166k base + $56k bonuses, Nexford) and chief executives ($250k+). Healthcare's dominance stems from aging populations and shortages.
| Rank | Job | Avg. Salary (2026 Projection) | Job Outlook | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiologists | $393,965 | Strong (healthcare growth) | Tallo.com |
| 2 | Anesthesiologists | $200k–$450k (senior) | High demand | Research.com |
| 3 | Surgeons | $200k+ | Steady | BLS/Tallo |
| 4 | Chief Executives | $250k–$330k | Variable | Tallo/Ohio Capital Journal |
| 5 | Real Estate Brokers | $166k + $56k bonus | Good | Nexford |
These figures include bonuses and reflect 3.8–4.2% raises (WorldatWork/CBIZ).
Key Takeaways: Ohio's Highest Paying Jobs at a Glance
- Healthcare rules: Physicians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurse anesthetists ($111k+ base + $46k extra, OSU/Nexford) claim top spots ($200k–$450k).
- Executives & Managers: CEOs ($250k+, 300x median worker pay gap, Ohio Capital Journal), financial managers ($153k Cincinnati + $34k bonus), IT/architectural managers ($155k Columbus + $47k bonus).
- Specialized Pros: Dentists/orthodontists ($208k+ median, $123k starting), airline pilots ($226k median), petroleum engineers, lawyers.
- Metro Variations: Columbus execs 10–15% above state avg (Tallo); remote tech up 40% since 2020.
- Trends: Healthcare/STEM shortages amid population decline (675k loss by 2050, Ohio Dept. of Development); IT/AI booming (UC.edu).
Sources: Nexford, Tallo, BLS, Research.com.
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Ohio 2026 (With Salaries & Projections)
| Job | Salary Range (2026) | Job Outlook (% Growth) | Demand Notes | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologists/Physicians | $393k+ | 3–5% | Aging population | MD + residency |
| Anesthesiologists | $200k–$450k | Strong | Surgery demand | MD + fellowship |
| Surgeons | $200k+ | Steady | Hospitals | MD + residency |
| Chief Executives | $250k–$330k | Variable | Corporate | BS + 10+ yrs exp |
| Real Estate Brokers | $166k + $56k bonus | Good | Market recovery | 120-hr license |
| Architectural/Eng Managers (Columbus) | $155k + $47k | High (STEM) | IT/AI | BS + certs |
| Financial Managers (Cincinnati) | $153k + $34k | Solid | Finance | BS + 5 yrs |
| IT/Operations Research Analysts | $132k + $19k | 40% remote growth | AI/cloud | BS + certs |
| Dentists/Orthodontists | $208k+ ($123k start) | Steady | Practices | DDS/DMD |
| Airline Pilots | $226k median | Stable | Airlines | CPL + training |
Data: BLS 2026 projections, Nexford, Tallo, Epic Flight Academy. Healthcare leads due to shortages.
Healthcare Dominates: Physicians, Surgeons & Anesthesiologists Lead
Healthcare occupies 60%+ of top spots. Cardiologists average $393,965 (Tallo); anesthesiologists hit $450k senior-level (Research.com), with strong outlook from surgical needs. Surgeons exceed $200k (BLS). Nurse practitioners earn $111k (OSU), shifting to doctoral preference; nurse anesthetists add $46k (Nexford). OSU vs. Research.com align on demand.
Executive & Tech Roles: CEOs, IT Managers & Engineers
CEOs reach $330k (Chief Medical Officer, Tallo), but pay gaps hit 300x median (Ohio Capital Journal). IT managers forecast $132k+ (UC/Nexford); architectural/eng managers $155k Columbus + bonuses. Petroleum engineers offer high pay in niche sectors.
Other High-Payers: Dentists, Pilots, Lawyers & More
Orthodontists/prosthodontists: $208k+ (Research.com). Dentists start at $123k. Pilots: $226k (Epic). Lawyers rank high in earnings.
Highest Paying Jobs by Ohio Metro Area (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton)
Ohio's metros vary: Cleveland favors healthcare/tech; Columbus execs/engineering; Cincinnati finance; Dayton aviation/defense.
| City | Top Job | Salary (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | Physicians/Anesthesiologists | $200k–$393k | Healthcare hub; 65% higher housing buying power vs. NY (Tallo) |
| Columbus | Architectural/Eng Managers | $155k + $47k | 10–15% above state avg |
| Cincinnati | Financial Managers | $153k + $34k | Bonuses boost |
| Dayton | Engineers/Pilots | $150k+ | Lucrative defense careers |
Cost of living: 18% lower housing (Playroll). Nexford/Tallo data reconciled.
Factors Affecting Top Salaries in Ohio 2026 + Job Demand Trends
Salaries rise 3.8% (WorldatWork); inflation drives 4.2% budgets (CBIZ). Demand: Healthcare/STEM shortages despite stagnation--Ohio added 3.5k jobs but 4.5% unemployment (Columbus Underground). Population loss (675k by 2050) pressures jobs; IT/AI +40% remote (Tallo). Experience (5+ yrs finance, Nexford) and education boost pay.
Entry-Level, Remote & High-Pay Jobs: Accessible Options for Ohioans
- Entry-Level: Dentists $123k start (Research.com); real estate brokers via 120-hr program (Nexford).
- Remote: Tech/IT 40% growth (Tallo/UC); operations analysts $132k. Checklist: 1) License/certify quickly; 2) Freelance platforms; 3) Ohio State online programs.
Healthcare vs Tech vs Executive Careers in Ohio: Pros, Cons & Salary Comparison
| Career | Salary | Pros | Cons | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $200k–$450k | Job security, demand | Long education (MD/residency) | Strong |
| Tech/IT | $130k–$155k | Faster entry, remote | AI disruption | Booming (UC) |
| Executives | $250k+ | High rewards | Experience (10+ yrs), volatility | Variable (300x gap) |
Sources: OSU, UC.edu, Nexford. Healthcare wins pay; tech offers balance.
How to Land a High-Paying Job in Ohio: Step-by-Step Guide
Checklist:
- Assess Skills: Match to needs (e.g., master's for NPs, OSU).
- Certify: IT (cloud/AI, UC); real estate (120 hrs).
- Target Metros: Hospitals in Cleveland, firms in Columbus.
- Build Experience: 5+ yrs for managers.
- Network: OSU programs (top-ranked online).
Case: OSU MSW (2 yrs, any undergrad).
Education Requirements & Fast-Track Paths for Ohio's Best Paying Jobs
| Job | Requirements | Fast-Track |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians | MD + residency | N/A |
| IT Managers | BS + certs | Online UC/OSU |
| Real Estate | 120-hr program | Quick license |
| NPs | Master's/DNP | OSU 2-yr MSW |
Nontraditional: OSU online ranked #10 (OSU.edu).
Ohio Job Market Outlook 2026: Challenges & Opportunities
Raises: 3.8–4.2% (Payscale/CBIZ). Challenges: Stagnant growth (4.5% unemployment, Columbus Underground), population decline. Opportunities: Healthcare/IT shortages; remote flexibility. Economists note job lack drives exodus (Ohio Capital Journal).
FAQ
What are the highest paying jobs in Ohio 2026?
Cardiologists ($393k), anesthesiologists ($450k senior), surgeons ($200k+), CEOs ($250k+).
What is the average surgeon salary in Ohio 2026?
$200k+ base, per BLS/Tallo projections.
Which city has the best paying jobs: Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati?
Columbus for engineering ($155k+); Cincinnati finance ($153k+); Cleveland healthcare--all strong with low COL.
What education is needed for top salary occupations in Ohio?
Doctoral for physicians; BS + certs/experience for IT/execs; 120-hr for brokers.
Are there entry-level high pay jobs in Ohio 2026?
Yes--dentists ($123k start), real estate brokers.
What about remote high paying jobs for Ohio residents?
Tech/IT ($132k+), up 40%; airline pilots offer flexibility.