Cincinnati, Ohio, stands as one of the Midwest’s most economically diverse and opportunity-rich cities. Anchored by major employers such as Procter & Gamble, Kroger, Fifth Third Bancorp, and GE Aerospace, the region combines strong corporate, healthcare, and engineering sectors. Its workforce benefits from both a thriving metropolitan economy and a notably affordable cost of living. From highly specialized medical professionals to executive leaders and tech innovators, Cincinnati rewards expertise, leadership, and innovation with competitive, high-end compensation packages.

Highest Paying Jobs In Cincinnati (Current List)

1. Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists are among Cincinnati’s highest earners due to their vital role in surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety before, during, and after operations. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, and handle critical medical emergencies. With healthcare hubs like UC Health and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, demand for experienced anesthesiologists remains high. The years of specialized training, medical liability risks, and precision required for this role justify the high salaries exceeding $350,000 annually.

2. Surgeon

Surgeons perform complex medical operations to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities. In Cincinnati’s robust healthcare system, including Christ Hospital and TriHealth, skilled surgeons are essential. They specialize in areas such as cardiovascular, orthopedic, or neurological surgery. Extensive education, long working hours, and high responsibility contribute to their elevated pay. Their life-saving interventions and critical decision-making under pressure make surgery one of the most demanding and lucrative professions in the city.

3. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapy and medication management. As mental health awareness grows in Cincinnati, psychiatrists are increasingly sought after in hospitals, private clinics, and telehealth networks. The combination of medical training and psychological expertise makes them uniquely qualified to address complex behavioral conditions. Given the shortage of mental health professionals nationwide, psychiatrists command top-tier salaries that reflect both their specialized education and the sensitivity of their work.

4. Physician (General)

General physicians provide comprehensive medical care, diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. They form the backbone of Cincinnati’s healthcare infrastructure, often acting as the first point of contact for patients. Their broad expertise allows them to manage chronic illnesses and coordinate care with specialists. Physicians earn high salaries due to the critical nature of their role, long training periods, and heavy patient loads in both private practice and hospital settings.

5. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

CEOs oversee an organization’s entire strategy, growth, and financial performance. In Cincinnati—home to major companies like Procter & Gamble, Kroger, and Fifth Third Bank—CEOs play a key role in driving profitability and corporate innovation. Their compensation reflects years of leadership experience, high accountability, and performance-based bonuses. Successful CEOs are visionaries who manage teams, negotiate large contracts, and guide companies through competitive markets, earning salaries that can surpass $350,000 annually.

6. Orthodontist

Orthodontists specialize in correcting teeth and jaw alignment using braces, aligners, and other dental devices. In Cincinnati, where family and pediatric dentistry is in high demand, orthodontists enjoy strong earning potential. The role requires additional years of dental and orthodontic training, as well as precision in treatment planning. High startup costs for private practices and the value patients place on aesthetic and functional dental outcomes contribute to their elevated salaries.

7. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform intricate surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and face. They handle everything from wisdom tooth extractions to reconstructive facial surgery. In Cincinnati’s thriving medical community, their combination of dental and surgical expertise makes them indispensable. The role’s complexity, long training path, and use of advanced surgical technology justify salaries near or above $300,000. Many also operate successful private practices, increasing their earning potential.

8. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

CFOs manage corporate finances, oversee budgeting, and ensure long-term fiscal health. In Cincinnati, where companies like Cintas and GE Aerospace maintain large operations, strategic financial leadership is crucial. CFOs make high-stakes decisions on investments, cost management, and financial reporting. Their compensation reflects not only their analytical skills and financial acumen but also the immense responsibility they carry in maintaining company stability and profitability through economic fluctuations.

9. Pediatrician

Pediatricians specialize in the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents. In family-centered regions like Cincinnati, they are in consistent demand. They diagnose illnesses, monitor development, and provide preventive care. Working in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, pediatricians must balance compassion with technical expertise. The role’s long training requirements and emotional demands are balanced by strong salaries and rewarding work improving the health and wellbeing of the community’s youngest patients.

10. Dentist

Dentists in Cincinnati diagnose and treat issues related to teeth, gums, and oral health. They perform preventive cleanings, fillings, and restorative procedures that directly impact patient quality of life. With high local demand and steady private practice opportunities, dentists can earn well over $200,000 annually. Their income reflects years of dental school, specialized certifications, and investment in advanced equipment—all while maintaining patient safety and comfort during treatment.

11. Vice President of Sales

A Vice President of Sales leads corporate sales strategies and manages high-performing teams. In Cincinnati’s manufacturing, logistics, and consumer goods industries, this role is vital for revenue growth. VPs negotiate major client deals, develop incentive structures, and forecast market trends. Their pay reflects leadership, performance-driven results, and the ability to turn strategy into profit. Bonuses and commissions often push their total compensation into the $200,000+ range.

12. Law Firm Partner

Law firm partners oversee client portfolios, manage associates, and shape firm strategy. In Cincinnati’s thriving legal market—especially in corporate, healthcare, and intellectual property law—partners can earn substantial profits. Their income stems from both billable work and equity shares in the firm. The high salaries reflect extensive experience, strong client relationships, and mastery of complex legal matters that significantly affect business outcomes and high-stakes litigation.

13. Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

CMOs oversee clinical operations, patient care quality, and compliance for hospitals or healthcare systems. In Cincinnati, major institutions like Mercy Health and TriHealth rely on CMOs to integrate medical standards with business efficiency. Their dual expertise in medicine and leadership makes them essential to organizational success. Compensation reflects high responsibility, long hours, and the requirement to balance medical integrity with financial and administrative oversight.

14. Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications, advise patients on usage, and ensure drug safety. In Cincinnati, pharmacists work in hospitals, community pharmacies, and specialty clinics. Their detailed knowledge of drug interactions and patient health contributes to excellent job stability and pay. With extensive education requirements, high accountability, and a growing demand for pharmaceutical expertise, pharmacists earn between $125,000 and $150,000 annually, especially in managerial or clinical roles.

15. Software Engineering Manager

Software Engineering Managers lead teams that design and build critical digital infrastructure. With Cincinnati’s tech sector expanding through companies like Kroger Digital and GE Aviation’s IT division, experienced managers are in demand. They coordinate developers, oversee project timelines, and maintain system reliability. Strong technical skills combined with leadership responsibilities justify six-figure salaries, often boosted by performance bonuses tied to software delivery and innovation success.

16. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia during surgeries and monitor patients closely. Their expertise supports surgeons and anesthesiologists in operating rooms across Cincinnati. The role demands advanced nursing education, precision, and calm under pressure. Given the high-stakes nature of their work, CRNAs earn between $120,000 and $180,000 annually. Their autonomy in many medical settings also makes this one of the most respected and well-compensated nursing roles.

17. Vice President of Marketing

The VP of Marketing shapes brand image, oversees campaigns, and drives revenue growth through data-driven strategy. In Cincinnati, headquarters of consumer goods giants like Procter & Gamble, marketing leadership is central to success. This role blends creative direction with analytics and competitive positioning. VPs manage large budgets and teams, earning six-figure salaries with substantial bonuses tied to brand performance and market expansion.

18. IT Director

IT Directors oversee all technology operations within an organization, from cybersecurity to system architecture. In Cincinnati’s manufacturing and finance sectors, they ensure that digital systems run smoothly and securely. The job combines technical mastery with strategic management, requiring experience in both infrastructure and personnel leadership. High salaries reflect the growing importance of data protection, digital transformation, and uninterrupted technology services in modern business operations.

19. Engineering Manager

Engineering Managers lead technical teams that design, test, and build complex systems and products. In Cincinnati—home to major manufacturing and aerospace employers like GE Aerospace—they oversee large-scale engineering projects. The position demands technical expertise, leadership, and the ability to deliver results under tight deadlines. Competitive pay recognizes the balance between hands-on problem solving and strategic management within highly specialized engineering environments.

20. Data Science Manager

Data Science Managers lead analytics teams that turn large data sets into actionable insights for business decisions. With Cincinnati’s corporations increasingly data-driven, this role bridges technical programming and executive strategy. Managers design predictive models, oversee data governance, and present findings to leadership. Salaries reflect high demand for talent skilled in machine learning, AI, and business intelligence—fields critical to improving competitiveness and operational efficiency.

Top 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in Cincinnati, OH (Full List)

Rank	Job Title	Estimated Annual Salary Range (USD)
1	Anesthesiologist	$350,000 – $500,000+
2	Surgeon	$330,000 – $480,000+
3	Psychiatrist	$260,000 – $390,000
4	Physician (General)	$230,000 – $350,000
5	Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	$210,000 – $350,000+
6	Orthodontist	$200,000 – $310,000
7	Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon	$190,000 – $300,000
8	Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	$175,000 – $280,000
9	Pediatrician	$170,000 – $250,000
10	Dentist	$165,000 – $250,000
11	Vice President of Sales	$160,000 – $240,000
12	Law Firm Partner	$155,000 – $300,000+
13	Chief Medical Officer	$150,000 – $230,000
14	Pharmacist	$125,000 – $150,000
15	Software Engineering Manager	$125,000 – $190,000
16	Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)	$120,000 – $180,000
17	Vice President of Marketing	$120,000 – $190,000
18	IT Director	$120,000 – $185,000
19	Engineering Manager	$120,000 – $180,000
20	Data Science Manager	$115,000 – $175,000
21	Optometrist	$110,000 – $170,000
22	Chief Information Officer (CIO)	$110,000 – $180,000
23	Vice President of Operations	$110,000 – $175,000
24	Physician Assistant (PA)	$105,000 – $145,000
25	Nurse Practitioner (NP)	$100,000 – $140,000
26	Senior Software Engineer	$100,000 – $140,000
27	Financial Manager	$100,000 – $150,000
28	Supply Chain Director	$100,000 – $155,000
29	Construction Manager (Large Projects)	$95,000 – $140,000
30	Management Consultant	$95,000 – $140,000
31	Civil Engineer (Project Manager)	$90,000 – $130,000
32	Marketing Director	$90,000 – $135,000
33	Human Resources Director	$90,000 – $135,000
34	Aerospace Engineer (Senior)	$90,000 – $130,000
35	Compensation and Benefits Manager	$88,000 – $130,000
36	Database Architect	$88,000 – $130,000
37	Actuary (Fellow)	$88,000 – $130,000
38	Cybersecurity Engineer	$85,000 – $125,000
39	Mechanical Engineer (Senior)	$85,000 – $120,000
40	Electrical Engineer (Senior)	$85,000 – $120,000
41	Sales Director	$85,000 – $125,000
42	Project Manager (IT)	$85,000 – $120,000
43	Financial Advisor (Senior)	$85,000 – $120,000+
44	University Professor (Senior)	$85,000 – $120,000
45	Nurse Manager	$80,000 – $115,000
46	Logistics Manager	$80,000 – $115,000
47	Procurement Manager	$80,000 – $115,000
48	Dental Hygienist	$75,000 – $95,000
49	Solutions Architect	$75,000 – $115,000
50	Data Engineer	$75,000 – $110,000
51	Cloud Engineer	$75,000 – $110,000
52	Commercial Loan Officer	$75,000 – $110,000
53	Physical Therapist	$75,000 – $100,000
54	Software Developer	$70,000 – $105,000
55	Occupational Therapist	$70,000 – $95,000
56	Accountant (CPA, Senior)	$70,000 – $95,000
57	Physician (Resident)	$55,000 – $65,000
58	Web Developer	$65,000 – $95,000
59	Sales Manager	$70,000 – $100,000
60	Financial Analyst	$65,000 – $90,000
61	Operations Manager	$65,000 – $95,000
62	Construction Superintendent	$65,000 – $90,000
63	Project Manager (Construction)	$70,000 – $100,000
64	Civil Engineer (Entry-Mid)	$65,000 – $85,000
65	Mechanical Engineer (Entry-Mid)	$65,000 – $85,000
66	Electrical Engineer (Entry-Mid)	$65,000 – $85,000
67	Data Analyst	$60,000 – $85,000
68	Registered Nurse (Staff)	$60,000 – $80,000
69	Librarian	$55,000 – $75,000
70	Social Worker (Licensed)	$50,000 – $65,000
71	Chef / Head Cook	$50,000 – $70,000
72	Restaurant Manager	$50,000 – $65,000
73	Hotel Manager	$55,000 – $75,000
74	Real Estate Agent (Residential)	$45,000 – $100,000+
75	Insurance Agent	$50,000 – $75,000
76	Loan Officer	$50,000 – $70,000
77	Claims Adjuster	$50,000 – $65,000
78	Customer Success Manager	$55,000 – $75,000
79	Technical Writer	$55,000 – $75,000
80	Graphic Designer	$50,000 – $65,000
81	Administrative Services Manager	$60,000 – $80,000
82	Cost Estimator	$60,000 – $80,000
83	Market Research Analyst	$55,000 – $75,000
84	Human Resources Specialist	$50,000 – $65,000
85	Speech-Language Pathologist	$65,000 – $85,000
86	Physical Therapist (Staff)	$70,000 – $90,000
87	High School Teacher	$50,000 – $65,000
88	Police Officer	$50,000 – $65,000
89	Firefighter	$50,000 – $65,000
90	Paralegal	$50,000 – $65,000
91	Electrician	$50,000 – $70,000
92	Plumber	$50,000 – $70,000
93	HVAC Technician	$50,000 – $70,000
94	Airline Pilot (First Officer)	$70,000 – $120,000
95	Airline Pilot (Captain)	$80,000 – $170,000
96	Marine Engineer / Naval Architect	$75,000 – $110,000
97	Commercial Real Estate Developer	$80,000 – $150,000+
98	Aerospace Engineer (Entry-Mid)	$70,000 – $90,000
99	Marketing Manager	$70,000 – $100,000
100	Chemical Engineer (Senior)	$90,000 – $130,000

Closing

In a city where world-class healthcare meets global business operations, Cincinnati continues to offer impressive earning potential across a wide range of professions. The top salaries go to skilled practitioners, executives, and engineers driving innovation and management excellence. Combined with affordable housing and quality of life advantages, Cincinnati remains one of the most rewarding places in the United States to build a stable, prosperous, and fulfilling career in nearly any professional discipline.