Civil Engineer Salary in Columbus, OH: $85,443 (2026)

Civil Engineer Pay in Columbus: What to Expect (2026)

Columbus offers a median civil engineer salary of $85,443, which is $4,497 above the Ohio state average of $80,946. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for civil engineers in Columbus spans from $57,380 at the 10th percentile to $131,670 at the 90th percentile — a $74,290 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,900, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,500. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Civil Engineer Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,900

$-3,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$85,500

$-4,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$123,500

$-6,500 vs national

Percentile	Columbus	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$57,380	$54,360	$60,400
25th Percentile	$69,540	$65,880	$73,200
Median (50th)	$85,443	$80,946	$89,940
75th Percentile	$108,300	$102,600	$114,000
90th Percentile	$131,670	$124,740	$138,600

Percentile

Columbus

10th Percentile

$57,380

25th Percentile

$69,540

Median (50th)

$85,443

75th Percentile

$108,300

90th Percentile

$131,670

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Columbus

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbus may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Columbus

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Columbus, OH? ▼

The median civil engineer salary in Columbus, Ohio is $85,443 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $57,380 (10th percentile) to $131,670 (90th percentile).

How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Columbus? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $85,443, a civil engineer in Columbus earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for civil engineer pay? ▼

Columbus's median civil engineer salary of $85,443 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $80,946. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼

Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $85,443 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Columbus? ▼

Most civil engineer positions in Columbus require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Civil Engineer Salary in Columbus, Ohio