Electrical Engineer Salary in Columbus, IN: $103,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Columbus, IN earns a median $103,609/year (≈ $49.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.0), that paycheck buys what $111,404 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Columbus, Indiana, can expect a median annual salary of $103,609, reflecting a market that remains competitive despite a national median of $125,033. The salary landscape stretches from a starting point of $76,525 at the 10th percentile to $139,036 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, suggests that while local compensation is robust, it notably falls short of the national average by approximately 17.13%. The job market in Columbus may currently offer a steady demand for electrical engineers; however, the relatively lower pay reflects broader economic conditions and the need for strategic career planning.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,525 | $36.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,294 | $41.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,609 | $49.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,903 | $58.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,036 | $66.84 |
Median Salary Position
17.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, IN, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,511 (2026 est.). At $103,609, the local median is 17.13% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Columbus median: $103,609/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $104,444 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -17.13% less |
Electrical Engineers in Columbus, IN earn a median of $103,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.13% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 0.80% below the Indiana state average of $104,444.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 7.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, IN has a cost-of-living index of 93.003 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $103,609 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,404 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,610
2025 BLS Actual
$99,960
2026 Current Est.
$103,609
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,390 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 24.0% from $80,610 (2019) to $99,960 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,390 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,780 (33.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,525 – $85,294 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,294 – $103,609 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,609 – $121,903 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,903 – $139,036 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Columbus
The local employment arena accommodates about 70 electrical engineers, underscoring a niche community with specific demand dynamics. The cost of living index in Columbus stands at 93.003, indicating a lower-than-average expense profile, which may enhance the purchasing power of salaries earned here. Key employers, such as major defense contractors like Raytheon, typically pay higher salaries due to the security clearance premium associated with their positions. In contrast, engineering firms focused on utilities, while offering stability through pensions and benefits, tend to provide less competitive pay. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced degrees, obtaining a PE license in power systems, or leveraging technical skills in semiconductor industries can significantly enhance job prospects and salary potential in Columbus.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $99,960 for electrical engineersin the Columbus metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov