Columbus vs Lima: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbus, OH and Lima, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Lima, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,117▲ | $101,955 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.02▲ | $49.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,349▲ | $70,487 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,558▲ | $81,765 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,459▲ | $125,125 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,641▲ | $146,388 |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lima.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lima is $4,162 (4.08%). 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,Lima spans $75,901. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lima ($112,409 effective) pays 1.13% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,117/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,641)
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lima if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,409)
- ✓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 -3.7% growth in Lima over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$84,110 (2019) → $102,380 (2025)
Lima, OH
$102,140 (2019) → $98,365 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
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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