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Civil Engineer Salary in Columbus, OH

How much does a civil engineer make in Columbus? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Columbus's cost of living.

Median Salary
$97,990
per year in Columbus
Entry Level
$59,826
Starting salary
Senior Level
$134,092
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how civil engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Columbus.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$59,826$97,990$134,092
Monthly$4,986$8,166$11,174
Biweekly$2,301$3,769$5,157
Weekly$1,151$1,884$2,579
Hourly$29$47$64

Columbus vs National Average

How Columbus's civil engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Columbus Salary
$97,990
COL Index: 99
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$10,760
Lower in Columbus

Cost of Living in Columbus

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$56,102
per year
Population
898,553
residents
Rent % of Income
28.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbus have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Civil Engineer

Overview

Plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Project DesignCADConstruction ManagementInfrastructure Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Civil Engineer Salary

See Civil Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
+8%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+7%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+2%
Houston, TX
$98,690
+1%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-3%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in Columbus, OH — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Columbus, OH is $97,990 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbus's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Columbus can expect to earn around $59,826 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $134,092 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbus's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbus are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a civil engineer's salary in Columbus typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 16.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Civil Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Columbus, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.