Columbus vs Zanesville: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbus, OH and Zanesville, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Zanesville, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,117▲ | $102,944 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.02▲ | $49.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,349▲ | $67,558 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,558▲ | $79,808 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,459▲ | $127,457 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,641▲ | $150,028 |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Zanesville.
The salary gap between Columbus and Zanesville is $3,173 (3.08%). 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,Zanesville spans $82,470. Zanesville 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, Zanesville ($113,499 effective) pays 2.11% 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 Zanesville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,499)
- ✓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 Zanesville over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$84,110 (2019) → $102,380 (2025)
Zanesville, OH
$97,294 (2024) → $99,319 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Zanesville, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Columbus or Zanesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Zanesville?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Zanesville as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Columbus vs Zanesville?
Related Comparisons
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