Athens vs Columbus: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Athens, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,168 | $106,117▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.24 | $51.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,287 | $78,349▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,126 | $86,558▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,679 | $131,459▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,190 | $155,641▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,100▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Columbus is $9,949 (10.35%). Columbus's median is -15.13% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $73,903,Columbus spans $77,292. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($111,153 effective) pays 4.83% more than Athens ($106,029 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,117/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,641)
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,153)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Athens grew 2.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Athens, OH
$90,889 (2024) → $92,781 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$84,110 (2019) → $102,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Athens or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Athens to Columbus as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Athens vs Columbus?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov