Columbus vs Dayton: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbus, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,117 | $107,506▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.02 | $51.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,349▲ | $78,100 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,558 | $86,900▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,459 | $137,740▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,641 | $166,628▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 660 |
Verdict
Dayton, OH offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Dayton is $1,389 (1.31%). 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 Columbus spans $77,292,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 4.34% more than Columbus ($111,153 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 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 Columbus grew 21.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$84,110 (2019) → $102,380 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$89,540 (2019) → $103,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Columbus or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Dayton as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Columbus 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