Columbus vs Elyria: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbus, OH and Elyria, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Elyria, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,117▲ | $100,141 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.02▲ | $48.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,349▲ | $64,067 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,558▲ | $76,703 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,459▲ | $126,131 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,641▲ | $150,858 |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elyria.
The salary gap between Columbus and Elyria is $5,976 (5.97%). 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 Columbus spans $77,292,Elyria spans $86,791. Elyria 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 0.67% more than Elyria ($110,409 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Elyria if…
- ✓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 2.1% growth in Elyria over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$84,110 (2019) → $102,380 (2025)
Elyria, OH
$94,645 (2024) → $96,615 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Elyria, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Columbus or Elyria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Elyria?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Elyria as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Columbus vs Elyria?
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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