Certifications & licenses in Ohio
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in OH. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Ohio
Licensing landscape in Ohio
As of October 2024, the continuing education requirement for cosmetologists is permanently reduced to 4 hours per renewal period.
Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
Effective April 12, 2021, the required training for massage therapists was reduced from 750 hours to 600 hours.
State Medical Board of Ohio
A 2024 law change allows barber students who fail the exam twice to retake it without completing an additional 200 hours of training.
Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
To earn an advanced manicurist license, applicants need 1,800 hours of prior practice or 100 hours of board-approved advanced training.
Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Ohio
A $60K Ohio salary has roughly the purchasing power of a $65,570 salary in an average-cost-of-living state.
Regional comparison: Ohio vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs OH |
|---|---|---|
| OH | $39,010 | — |
| PA | $44,590 | +14% vs OH |
| WV | $36,720 | -6% vs OH |
| KY | $38,370 | -2% vs OH |
| IN | $38,330 | -2% vs OH |
| MI | $39,570 | +1% vs OH |
| State | Required training hours | vs OH |
|---|---|---|
| OH | 600 hours | — |
| PA | 600 hours | 0 hours |
| WV | 625 hours | +25 hours |
| KY | 600 hours | 0 hours |
| IN | 625 hours | +25 hours |
| MI | 625 hours | +25 hours |
Healthcare in Ohio
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $39,010 |
| Dental Assistant | No | $47,970 |
| EMT | Required | $40,220 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $61,950 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $42,810 |
| Medical Coder | No | $50,990 |
| Paramedic | Required | $51,300 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $40,650 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $39,770 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $78,320 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $82,510 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $79,920 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $62,420 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $88,990 |
Skilled Trades in Ohio
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $59,800 |
| Electrician | No | $64,700 |
| HVAC Technician | Required | $62,510 |
| Plumber | No | $63,330 |
| Welder | No | $50,340 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Ohio
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $36,370 |
| Barber | Required | — |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $36,260 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $55,990 |
Professional & Business in Ohio
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $79,320 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $60,420 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $61,260 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $46,240 |