Flexible jobs for single mothers in Ohio

Pay in Ohio

Ohio’s minimum wage is $11.00 an hour from January 1, 2026 for non-tipped employees at businesses with annual gross receipts over $405,000, and $7.25 at smaller businesses. On January 1, 2027 it rises to $11.40, with the threshold moving to $420,000, according to the Department of Commerce.

There is no statewide rule on pay in job ads, but Cleveland has required salary ranges in job postings from employers with 15 or more employees since October 27, 2025. Columbus has passed a similar rule that will be enforced from January 1, 2027.

Leave for parents

Ohio has no state paid family leave program, and no state law requires paid sick leave. Under Ohio law, sick pay, leaves of absence and schedules are matters of employer policy. Eligible employees can use the federal Family and Medical Leave Act for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.

Help with child care

Publicly Funded Child Care helps parents who are working, in school or in training pay for child care. The Ohio Department of Children and Youth runs it, and county Job and Family Services offices decide eligibility. Income must be at or below 145 percent of the federal poverty level when you apply, or 150 percent for a child with special needs. You can apply online at benefits.ohio.gov or on paper.

The Ohio Preschool Program offers part-day preschool with no co-payment for children aged 3 to 5 who are not yet eligible for kindergarten, from families at or below 200 percent of the poverty level.

Tax credits

Ohio’s earned income credit equals 30 percent of your federal earned income credit. It is nonrefundable, so it can reduce your Ohio tax to zero but is not paid out beyond that.

Getting into work

OhioMeansJobs Centers are part of the American Job Center network and help job seekers across the state. Insurance agents are licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance. Pharmacy technicians and trainees register with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.