Columbia vs Nashville: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbia, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,228 | $103,432▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.66 | $49.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,212 | $75,571▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,100 | $86,558▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,161 | $134,994▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,309 | $172,805▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Nashville is $2,204 (2.18%). Nashville's median is -17.28% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $90,097,Nashville spans $97,234. Nashville 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, Columbia ($110,270 effective) pays 2.71% more than Nashville ($107,364 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,270)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,432/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,805)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Columbia grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$91,252 (2024) → $97,663 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$90,500 (2019) → $99,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Columbia or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Nashville as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Columbia vs Nashville?
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