Ohio’s employment landscape is undergoing a quiet but significant shift. While Columbus has been the face of the state’s economic development boom, it’s Cincinnati that now leads in employment levels and gross domestic product (GDP).
At the same time, Cleveland is leading policy reform with a bold new pay transparency ordinance, further changing the game for hiring across the state.
These shifts mean reevaluating talent strategies, compliance policies, and long-term hiring plans.
Cincinnati Takes the Lead in Jobs and Growth
Despite high-profile development announcements in central Ohio, Columbus has fallen behind in employment numbers. According to a 2024 economic forecast by Huntington Bank:
- Cincinnati’s workforce reached approximately 1.16 million workers.
- Columbus trailed with about 1.15 million, while
- Cleveland followed with 1.07 million.
This employment leadership aligns with Cincinnati’s larger economic footprint—$198 billion in GDP—outpacing Columbus at $182 billion and Cleveland at $173 billion.
The reason? Cincinnati’s regional economy, which spans parts of Indiana and Kentucky, offers greater industrial diversity and cross-border workforce accessibility. As a result, the Queen City is becoming a top destination for talent and employers alike.
Columbus: Big Announcements, Delayed Impact
Columbus has not been idle. Major investments, like Intel’s planned semiconductor factories and Anduril’s defense-tech expansion, have made headlines. However, Intel’s project won’t open until at least 2027, and Anduril’s hiring plans were announced just recently.
In the meantime, the labor force in Columbus dipped in 2024, even after recovering from the pandemic. Unemployment remains low at 3.9%, but the shrinking labor force raises questions about how—and when—the region will fully capitalize on its economic potential.
Cleveland Embraces Pay Transparency
While Cincinnati surges in employment, Cleveland is setting a new standard in workplace transparency. On April 28, 2025, the Cleveland City Council passed Ordinance No. 104-2025, which goes into effect on October 27, 2025. This new law will require:
- Salary ranges in all job postings for employers with 15+ employees and at least one based in Cleveland.
- A ban on salary history inquiries, preventing employers from asking, relying on, or screening based on past compensation.
This ordinance aligns Cleveland with other major U.S. cities pushing for greater pay equity and transparency, and it sets a precedent that could spread to other Ohio metros.
HR teams working with or near Cleveland must begin updating job posting processes, hiring scripts, and compliance checklists now to avoid costly penalties.
National Trends, Local Impacts: What About Tariffs?
Looking beyond state lines, federal tariff policy could influence Ohio’s key industries, including housing and automotive. Former President Donald Trump has floated the idea of 25% tariffs on metals and products from key allies like Canada and Mexico.
While the impact remains uncertain, we just don’t know the outcome yet, especially as the housing and auto markets remain vital to Ohio’s economic health.
No Recession For Now
Despite the labor force dip in Columbus, the broader economic outlook remains positive. With interest rates likely to drop and fiscal policies aiming to accelerate growth, a recession within the next 6–12 months is unlikely but not impossible.
What It Means for Employers
At RHA Recruiters, we’re helping our partners stay ahead of these trends – navigating compliance updates, adapting to changing job markets, and finding the right candidates in the right places.
Let’s talk about how we can support your hiring goals!
