Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Ohio 2024 (Inc Salaries)

When you hear about Ohio, you immediately think of Rock 'N Roll, football, double cheeseburgers, and hotdogs. The state’s beautiful cliffs, gorgeous lighthouses, and mesmerizing waterfalls will also surely come to mind. 

However, there’s more to this state than meets the eye (and your tummy!).

As a dynamic hub for innovation, sports, and culture, it provides its residents with many professional growth opportunities and an excellent social scene—perfect for work-life balance.

Additionally, it's one of the states with the lowest cost of living in the country, which means that the life you have always wanted will be within your reach here. 

If you want to find and finally live your American dream, our list of the highest-paying jobs in Ohio is here to help you out.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Ohio 2024 (Inc Salaries)

1. Physician and Surgeon

Both physicians and surgeons are healthcare professionals who have medical degrees. These medical doctors are trained to heal illnesses, diseases, and injuries.

But more than that, they are also well-versed in maintaining, promoting, and restoring their patient's well-being and overall health.

The only difference is that physicians focus on the non-surgical aspect of treatment (e.g., medications, therapy, and lifestyle change) while surgeons perform surgery and other invasive procedures.

Because of their long years of education and extensive training, these titles are also the highest-paying jobs in the US. 

Job Requirements

Earning a bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry or completing a pre-med program is the first step in becoming a physician or a surgeon.

After that, you must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges to qualify for medical school.

Once you’ve completed schooling and earned your medical degree, you must pass the first two parts of the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).

Next, you must complete a residency program based on your chosen specialty, pass the last part of the USMLE, and obtain your medical licensure.

Obtaining board certification is optional but highly recommended because it's a great way to demonstrate your expertise in your field.

Salary Information

According to Glassdoor, here’s the annual median wage of the best-paid medical specialties in Ohio:

• Anesthesiologist: $467,600

• Radiologist: $408,900

• Surgeons: $407,600

• Emergency Medical Specialist or ER Doctor: $188,300 

2. C-Suite Executive

The C-suite executives are at the top of the company's chain of command. They are responsible for spearheading the critical departments in the organization, such as Operations, Finance, Information Technology (IT), Marketing, and many more.

Their duties and responsibilities may vary depending on their position and department. Still, they typically include formulating business strategies, creating and implementing department-wide decisions, managing and allocating budgets, and handling and leading the C-level staff.

Job Requirements

You must pursue advanced education in your chosen field to enter the C-suite world.

In addition, most companies prefer candidates with an MBA, along with industry-specific certifications and licensing requirements.

Next, you must acquire extensive managerial experience in your target department and industry and complete executive training programs.

Last, seeking mentorship and building good industry connections is the secret to becoming a top-tier manager.

Salary Information

Below are the estimated annual salaries for the different types of C-suite executives in Ohio:

• Chief Technology Officer (CTO): $301,300

• Chief Information Officer (CIO): $298,400

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): $295,500

• Chief Finance Officer (CFO): $249,400

• Chief Operating Officer (CFO): $243,700

3. Nurse Anesthetist

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who have undergone specialized training in anesthesia care delivery.

Their primary responsibility is administering anesthesia and monitoring the patient's response. Other duties include airway management, patient assessment, and education. 

Job Requirements

Becoming a nurse anesthetist starts with the same steps as becoming an RN: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and state licensure by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN).

After that, you must gain at least a year of clinical experience in a critical care setting and complete a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program.

Lastly, to get your nurse anesthetist state licensure, you must pass the National Certification Examination conducted by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

Salary Information

Nurse anesthetists in Columbus, OH, make an estimated salary of $220,700.

Depending on the hospital’s pay structure, these health practitioners may also receive an average additional pay of $46,900 annually.

4. Financial Manager

Also called financial planners, these finance experts are responsible for managing and maintaining a company's or organization's financial health and resources.

The job description includes identifying and mitigating potential risks, evaluating investment opportunities, allocating financial resources, and managing cash flow.

They are also in charge of preparing financial reports and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Job Requirements

Most financial planning careers start with a bachelor's degree. Some preferred majors are business administration, financial planning, and accounting.

If you want to advance your career even further, you should complete a master’s in business administration (MBA).

Additionally, you may also want to obtain professional certifications like Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and many more.

It’s important to note that most employers prefer candidates with at least 5 years of work experience in a finance-related role.

Salary Information

In Cincinnati, financial managers are paid a median wage of $153,800 and a cash bonus of at least $34,600 annually.

5. Real Estate Broker

Real estate brokers have the same duty as real estate agents—to assist people in purchasing, selling, or renting out real estate properties. But wait, there’s more.

With their advanced education, they are also licensed to establish a real estate firm and employ real estate agents. In addition to their commissions from sales, they receive a cut of the commissions from every deal their agents close.  

Job Requirements

Becoming a real estate broker requires both education, licensing, and experience.

A bachelor's degree in business, financial management, or economics is recommended

for the education requirements. 

In addition, you need to complete a 120-hour pre-licensing program that covers Real estate law, principles and practices, appraisal, and finance.

After that, you must undergo a state and national FBI background check and close at least 20 real estate transactions to qualify for the licensing examination.

Once you pass the Ohio Real Estate Broker License Exam, you can obtain your license from the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Licensing.

Since this position requires managerial skills, earning a master’s in business administration (MBA) degree is highly recommended.

Salary Information

Real estate brokers make an annual salary of $166,400 and an opportunity to receive cash bonuses worth $56,400.

6. Lawyer

As legal experts, lawyers are responsible for assisting their clients in legal matters and proceedings. They are highly trained and extensively educated to advocate for their client's rights while upholding and complying with the effectiveness and fairness of the state's legal system. 

Job Requirements

Completing a pre-law program or an undergraduate degree in legal studies or political science will start you on your long journey to becoming a lawyer.

Next, you must pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) to qualify for law school.

After finishing law school and getting your Juris Doctor (JD) degree, you must pass the Ohio State Bar exam, which has three parts: essay, multistate questions, and multistate writing part.

Lastly, new Ohio lawyers must complete 12 hours of training before practicing law. 

Salary Information

The median wage for legal experts in Ohio is $156,700, and they may also receive an additional $40,300 annually.          

7. Architectural and Engineering Manager

An architectural and engineering manager is responsible for managing, guiding and directing the company's architectural and engineering department and ensuring that all construction projects are completed within budget, on time, and per the established specifications.  

Job Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering is the best way to jumpstart your career in this industry.

In addition, you need to gain relevant work experience and earn your license. For an architect, this means undergoing the Intern Development Program (IDP) and passing the Architect Registration Exam.

On the other hand, engineers must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam and work under the supervision of a licensed engineer for 4 years.

Lastly, it’s recommended you complete a master’s in business administration (MBA) degree to increase your chances of getting a managerial role in the industry.

Salary Information

In Columbus, OH, architectural and engineering managers are paid an average salary of $155,400 annually.

On top of that, they also have the chance to get a cash bonus amounting to $36,600. 

8. Medical Consultant

Medical consultants assist doctors in managing and handling all the business aspects of a healthcare facility.

Also known as healthcare consultants, they provide financial and business advice to medical professionals regarding a wide range of business matters, including but not limited to staffing, salary and compensation packages, budgeting, advertising, compliance, and many more.

Job Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in business management or healthcare administration is the best first step to becoming a medical consultant.

However, most employers seek candidates with years of medical experience and an advanced business administration degree (MBA).

While it’s not required, becoming a Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC) by the National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants can give you a competitive edge.

Salary Information

Medical consultants in Cincinnati earn a median wage of $147,600 per year.

They may also get an average extra pay of $47,700 through cash bonuses or profit sharing. 

9. Operations Research Analyst

The main goal of an operations research analyst is to gather and analyze information from the company's database, customer feedback, and sales data. Using these data insights, they can streamline organizational processes, improve policy, solve business problems, set product prices, and identify the technology, equipment, and investments needed.

Job Requirements

Most operations research analysts have undergraduate degree in computer science, industrial engineering, mathematics, or analytics.

Next, they also have relevant work experience in their chosen industry (finance, insurance, or government sector). These are enough to get you an entry-level job.

To further advance in your career, it’s recommended that you obtain a master’s in business administration (MBA) degree and earn a few certifications to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. 

Salary Information

In Ohio, operations research analysts earn an estimated annual salary of $132,000 and cash bonuses worth $19,300. 

10. Compensation and Benefits Manager

The primary duty of compensation and benefits managers is to oversee the planning, designing, and implementation of the company employees' salary packages.

They also ensure employees are fairly compensated with the right salary and incentives and receive good benefits, including healthcare coverage and retirement plans. 

Job Requirements

The basic requirements for this job are a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration and years of experience in HR.

To increase your chances of landing this managerial position, it's recommended that you also take a master's in business administration (MBA) degree and obtain relevant certifications offered by either the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) or the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). 

Salary Information

The average annual salary for a compensation and benefits manager in Ohio is $130,000. This pay may also come with a potential cash bonus of $27,700.

For more high paying jobs in Ohio, check out our list below:

• Pharmacist: $128,700

• Electrical Engineer: $108,100

• Accounting Manager: $109,200

• Manufacturing Engineer: $101,300

• Food and Beverage Manager: $85,300

Suppose you only have an associate degree, a high school diploma or an equivalent. In that case, some of your best options are a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Administrative Real Estate Assistant, First Shift Laborer, and truck driving.

Conclusion

With its diversified economy and wide range of job opportunities, Ohio offers a stable job market, especially for job seekers in the healthcare and technology sectors.

However, career resources state that getting hired at these high-paying Ohio jobs presents a few issues, including tight competition and challenging market conditions.

Continuous skill development and having a good business network are the best ways to stay at the top of the game, and these are two crucial things you can get from an MBA.

If you wish to advance your career, check out Nexford. This 100% online university offers flexible and easily accessible online MBA and BBA programs, allowing you to enjoy the best business education without disrupting your career.

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job within Ohio State in 2024?

A physician or a surgeon is expected to be the highest-paid occupation in Ohio State in 2024. According to Glassdoor, these professionals are paid an annual salary range of $254,000 to $473,000. The salary may vary depending on the medical specialty. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Ohio jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

APRNs and Software developers will be the fastest-growing jobs in Ohio. 

According to the BLS forecast, these industries will experience growth rates of 38% and 25%, respectively. Based on these growth rates, there will be up to 29,200 new job openings for APRNs and 153,900 new job opportunities for software developers in the next few years.

What is the best career path in Ohio in 2024?

The best industries to enter in 2024 are business, technology, and healthcare because they offer the fastest growth, the highest pay, and the best work environment.

Consider your goals, skills, experience, and interests when determining which high paying Ohio jobs you should apply for. 

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Ohio jobs?

The majority of these high-paying jobs belong to the health and technology sectors.

For healthcare jobs, you need clinical skills and medical competence, while tech positions require technical proficiency in web, mobile, and backend development, database management, data analytics, and project management.

You need collaboration, communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and management abilities to thrive in both industries.

Download Our Free Report now to discover if you have what it takes to land your dream job.  

What qualifications are required for high-paying Ohio jobs?

Most of these lucrative job opportunities require further education, which includes relevant certifications, advanced programs, and higher-level degrees, like an MBA.

Doctors and lawyers need to get medical and law degrees.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial to gain a high-paying job in Ohio?

For many reasons, earning an online BBA or MBA degree is beneficial for building a thriving Ohio career.

Firstly, it provides advanced business knowledge and excellent leadership skills to excel in almost all industries and positions.

Not only that, but it also gives you excellent opportunities to build a solid professional network, which has the potential to lead to business connections, more job prospects, and career referrals.

All these advantages put you in a position to earn higher salaries than candidates with only undergraduate degrees.