Cleveland vs Dayton: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,147 | $107,506▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.11 | $51.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,146 | $78,100▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,065 | $86,900▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,837 | $137,740▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,037 | $166,628▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,180▲ | 660 |
Verdict
Dayton, OH offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $5,359 (5.25%). Dayton's median is -14.02% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $65,891,Dayton spans $88,528. Dayton 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, Dayton ($115,979 effective) pays 6.64% more than Cleveland ($108,756 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,506/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,628)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,979)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Cleveland grew 19.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$82,350 (2019) → $98,550 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$89,540 (2019) → $103,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Cleveland vs Dayton?
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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