Columbus vs Cleveland: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Columbus, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,614▲ | $98,720 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.85▲ | $47.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,137▲ | $68,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,688 | $80,862▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,305▲ | $121,073 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,845▲ | $139,905 |
| Total Employed | 2,630▲ | 1,770 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Columbus and Cleveland is $2,894 (2.93%). Columbus's median is -1.81% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $103,708,Cleveland spans $71,215. 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, Columbus ($106,437 effective) pays 1.26% more than Cleveland ($105,107 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 ($101,614/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,845)
- ✓Larger job market (2,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,437)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Columbus grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$81,880 (2019) → $99,010 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$80,050 (2019) → $96,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Columbus or Cleveland?
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Should I relocate from Columbus to Cleveland as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Columbus vs Cleveland?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov