Civil Engineer Salary in Columbus
2026 compensation data for Civil Engineer positions in Columbus, OH. Ranges from $56,000 (entry-level) to $138,000 (senior). Median: $86,000.
Median (Mid)
$86,000
$41.35/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $86,000
COL Index
95
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$138,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $56,000 | $65,000 | $76,000 | $31.25/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $73,000 | $86,000 | $102,000 | $41.35/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $98,000 | $116,000 | $138,000 | $55.77/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Columbus
A mid-level civil engineer earning $86,000 in Columbus has the same buying power as $91,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 95).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Civil Engineer Salaries in Columbus
The median civil engineer salary in Columbus, OH is $86,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 95 (national average = 100), Columbus offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level civil engineers in Columbus can expect to earn between $56,000 and $76,000 (about $31.25/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $138,000 ($138K annually, or about $66.35/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Columbus.
Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Columbus
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Columbus?+
The average Civil Engineer salary in Columbus is $86,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $65,000 and senior-level pay reaches $116,000.
How much does an entry-level civil engineer make in Columbus?+
Entry-level civil engineers in Columbus earn between $56,000 and $76,000, with a median of $65,000 per year (about $31.25/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Civil Engineer in Columbus?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Civil Engineer in Columbus earns roughly $31.25/hour at entry-level, $41.35/hour at mid-level, and $55.77/hour at senior-level.
Is the Civil Engineer salary in Columbus higher than the US average?+
Yes — Civil Engineer salaries in Columbus are about 0% higher than the US national median of $86,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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