Cleveland vs Lancaster: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lancaster, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lancaster, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,147 | $102,952▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.11 | $49.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,146▲ | $67,577 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,065▲ | $79,825 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,837 | $129,697▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,037 | $153,699▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,180▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Lancaster, OH offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lancaster is $805 (0.79%). Lancaster's median is -17.66% 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,Lancaster spans $86,122. Lancaster 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, Lancaster ($113,508 effective) pays 4.37% 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 Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,952/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,699)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,508)
- ✓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 2.1% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$82,350 (2019) → $98,550 (2025)
Lancaster, OH
$97,302 (2024) → $99,327 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Lancaster, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Cleveland or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lancaster as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Cleveland vs Lancaster?
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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