Average salary by job family in Columbus
| Management | $131,950 |
|---|---|
| Legal | $119,300 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $109,520 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $99,720 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $96,880 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $89,630 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $89,040 |
| Construction and Extraction | $69,790 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $66,630 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $65,130 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $63,790 |
| Protective Service | $61,630 |
| Community and Social Service | $60,720 |
| Sales and Related | $51,670 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $51,000 |
| Production | $50,330 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $49,080 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $47,330 |
| Healthcare Support | $40,040 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $39,810 |
| Personal Care and Service | $38,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $35,850 |
Highest-paying jobs in Columbus
- Surgeons, All Other$609,460
- Anesthesiologists$439,050
- Emergency Medicine Physicians$285,000
- Physicians, Pathologists$273,990
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$268,650
- Radiologists$265,120
- Nurse Anesthetists$261,540
- Physicians, All Other$251,540
- Chief Executives$240,830
- Psychiatrists$225,920
Most common jobs in Columbus and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 31,590 | $29,580 | $28,670 |
| Registered Nurses | 30,510 | $88,780 | $83,900 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 30,130 | $41,060 | $39,040 |
| General and Operations Managers | 29,070 | $130,510 | $102,590 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 27,580 | $35,230 | $34,880 |
| Retail Salespersons | 26,850 | $35,940 | $33,780 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 25,800 | $42,130 | $41,200 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 18,550 | $47,340 | $46,350 |
| Office Clerks, General | 18,110 | $45,360 | $44,830 |
| Cashiers | 17,790 | $31,650 | $30,140 |
Cost of living in Columbus
Prices in the Columbus area are 5% below the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 95.5 for 2024. The average local salary of $67,270 therefore buys what $70,463 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $333,537, 4.2 times the median household income of $79,847.
Take-home pay in Columbus
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $37,800 | $31,017 | $2,585 |
| Median wage | $51,340 | $41,178 | $3,432 |
| Average wage | $67,270 | $53,065 | $4,422 |
| 75th percentile wage | $80,200 | $61,476 | $5,123 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules). Includes Columbus's local income tax (2.5%); the city income tax is that of the principal city (suburbs have their own rates) and school district income taxes are not included.
Salaries for every job in Columbus
Management33 jobs
- Chief Executives$241K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$176K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$166K
- Financial Managers$165K
- Sales Managers$154K
- Compensation and Benefits Managers$154K
- Natural Sciences Managers$152K
- Purchasing Managers$152K
- Marketing Managers$151K
- Human Resources Managers$145K
- Public Relations Managers$144K
- Managers, All Other$141K
- Advertising and Promotions Managers$140K
- Training and Development Managers$134K
- General and Operations Managers$131K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$129K
- Industrial Production Managers$123K
- Administrative Services Managers$119K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$118K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$117K
- Construction Managers$116K
- Fundraising Managers$116K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$102K
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents$101K
- Facilities Managers$101K
- Education Administrators, All Other$86K
- Social and Community Service Managers$86K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$78K
- Food Service Managers$72K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$65K
- Lodging Managers$64K
- Personal Service Managers, All Other$63K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$56K
Legal6 jobs
Computer and Mathematical18 jobs
- Database Architects$139K
- Computer Network Architects$133K
- Information Security Analysts$124K
- Software Developers$124K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$120K
- Actuaries$117K
- Data Scientists$115K
- Computer Systems Analysts$114K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$111K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$106K
- Database Administrators$103K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$102K
- Operations Research Analysts$98K
- Statisticians$94K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$94K
- Web Developers$90K
- Computer Programmers$88K
- Computer User Support Specialists$67K
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical58 jobs
- Surgeons, All Other$609K
- Anesthesiologists$439K
- Emergency Medicine Physicians$285K
- Physicians, Pathologists$274K
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$269K
- Radiologists$265K
- Nurse Anesthetists$262K
- Physicians, All Other$252K
- Psychiatrists$226K
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$171K
- Family Medicine Physicians$158K
- Dentists, General$155K
- Physician Assistants$151K
- Optometrists$147K
- Medical Dosimetrists$147K
- Podiatrists$142K
- Pharmacists$130K
- Nurse Midwives$130K
- Veterinarians$128K
- Nurse Practitioners$121K
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$105K
- Physical Therapists$102K
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$99K
- Radiation Therapists$98K
- Therapists, All Other$98K
- Occupational Therapists$96K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$95K
- Dental Hygienists$94K
- Chiropractors$92K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$91K
- Registered Nurses$89K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$86K
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$86K
- Respiratory Therapists$85K
- Audiologists$82K
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$80K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$79K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$76K
- Orthotists and Prosthetists$73K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$70K
- Hearing Aid Specialists$69K
- Surgical Technologists$68K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$64K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$63K
- Athletic Trainers$63K
- Surgical Assistants$62K
- Recreational Therapists$60K
- Medical Records Specialists$58K
- Exercise Physiologists$57K
- Paramedics$52K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$51K
- Opticians, Dispensing$51K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$50K
- Dietetic Technicians$49K
- Pharmacy Technicians$45K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$44K
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$44K
- Psychiatric Technicians$41K
Architecture and Engineering31 jobs
- Computer Hardware Engineers$138K
- Aerospace Engineers$131K
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$129K
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$121K
- Chemical Engineers$120K
- Environmental Engineers$117K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$116K
- Materials Engineers$112K
- Petroleum Engineers$109K
- Civil Engineers$107K
- Electrical Engineers$106K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$106K
- Industrial Engineers$103K
- Engineers, All Other$101K
- Mechanical Engineers$100K
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians$82K
- Surveyors$82K
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$81K
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$78K
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$78K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$77K
- Landscape Architects$77K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$73K
- Mechanical Drafters$73K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$72K
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$70K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$69K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$64K
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$62K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$61K
- Drafters, All Other$58K
Life, Physical, and Social Science30 jobs
- Physicists$168K
- Psychologists, All Other$118K
- School Psychologists$110K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$107K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$103K
- Materials Scientists$100K
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$99K
- Hydrologists$97K
- Chemists$97K
- Epidemiologists$90K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$88K
- Forensic Science Technicians$87K
- Microbiologists$87K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$86K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$85K
- Sociologists$85K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$84K
- Urban and Regional Planners$84K
- Physical Scientists, All Other$83K
- Food Scientists and Technologists$82K
- Food Science Technicians$79K
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$77K
- Foresters$73K
- Conservation Scientists$71K
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$69K
- Chemical Technicians$65K
- Soil and Plant Scientists$64K
- Biological Technicians$61K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$57K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$54K
Business and Financial Operations29 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$118K
- Financial Risk Specialists$111K
- Project Management Specialists$105K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$102K
- Management Analysts$100K
- Budget Analysts$94K
- Labor Relations Specialists$93K
- Credit Analysts$92K
- Financial Examiners$92K
- Accountants and Auditors$92K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$91K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$89K
- Insurance Underwriters$89K
- Loan Officers$89K
- Cost Estimators$87K
- Logisticians$85K
- Compliance Officers$84K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$81K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$80K
- Human Resources Specialists$80K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$80K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$77K
- Fundraisers$77K
- Training and Development Specialists$73K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$73K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$71K
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage$71K
- Credit Counselors$64K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$63K
Construction and Extraction30 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$86K
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers$80K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$78K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$78K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$74K
- Pipelayers$74K
- Sheet Metal Workers$72K
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical$71K
- Electricians$69K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$69K
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$68K
- Carpenters$68K
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas$67K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$66K
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$66K
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$65K
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$64K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$63K
- Construction Laborers$62K
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$62K
- Glaziers$59K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$57K
- Roofers$55K
- Carpet Installers$55K
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$54K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$53K
- Tile and Stone Setters$50K
- Helpers--Electricians$46K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$44K
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$44K
Educational Instruction and Library53 jobs
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$126K
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$111K
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$107K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$104K
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$102K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$102K
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$99K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School$96K
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary$94K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$92K
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$90K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$90K
- History Teachers, Postsecondary$88K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$88K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$86K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$84K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$84K
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$81K
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$81K
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$80K
- Instructional Coordinators$79K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$79K
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$78K
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$78K
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$77K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$77K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$77K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$77K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$76K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$76K
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$74K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$73K
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool$73K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$73K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$72K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$71K
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary$71K
- Curators$70K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$70K
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$68K
- Archivists$62K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$57K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$56K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$54K
- Special Education Teachers, All Other$52K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$51K
- Tutors$50K
- Museum Technicians and Conservators$50K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$43K
- Library Technicians$43K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$41K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$37K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$35K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media28 jobs
- Art Directors$106K
- Technical Writers$91K
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other$87K
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$87K
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$84K
- Editors$82K
- Producers and Directors$81K
- Public Relations Specialists$80K
- Writers and Authors$76K
- Interior Designers$74K
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$72K
- Graphic Designers$70K
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$70K
- Music Directors and Composers$69K
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$67K
- Interpreters and Translators$63K
- Set and Exhibit Designers$60K
- Broadcast Technicians$59K
- Audio and Video Technicians$56K
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys$56K
- Coaches and Scouts$54K
- Lighting Technicians$52K
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials$51K
- Photographers$50K
- Designers, All Other$49K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$44K
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators$40K
- Floral Designers$39K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair35 jobs
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$95K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$92K
- Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers$88K
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$84K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$83K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$78K
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$74K
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$74K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$71K
- Millwrights$70K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$69K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$69K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$68K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$67K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$67K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$64K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$63K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$61K
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers$61K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$60K
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$59K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$58K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$57K
- Mechanical Door Repairers$57K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$55K
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$55K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$54K
- Home Appliance Repairers$51K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$51K
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$50K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$49K
- Motorcycle Mechanics$47K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$46K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$44K
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$42K
Protective Service19 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$114K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$98K
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$91K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$89K
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$80K
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators$75K
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$69K
- Firefighters$68K
- Private Detectives and Investigators$65K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$62K
- Transportation Security Screeners$62K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$59K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$57K
- Bailiffs$56K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$52K
- Animal Control Workers$46K
- School Bus Monitors$41K
- Security Guards$40K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$31K
Community and Social Service17 jobs
- Marriage and Family Therapists$97K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$71K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$71K
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$70K
- Health Education Specialists$69K
- Healthcare Social Workers$68K
- Community Health Workers$63K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$62K
- Social Workers, All Other$62K
- Clergy$60K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$60K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$59K
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education$53K
- Counselors, All Other$51K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$51K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$43K
- Religious Workers, All Other$41K
Sales and Related19 jobs
- Sales Engineers$115K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$113K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$99K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$95K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$82K
- Real Estate Brokers$78K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$73K
- Insurance Sales Agents$70K
- Advertising Sales Agents$60K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$52K
- Travel Agents$50K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$47K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$47K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$46K
- Parts Salespersons$42K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$38K
- Telemarketers$36K
- Retail Salespersons$36K
- Cashiers$32K
Office and Administrative Support45 jobs
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$79K
- Brokerage Clerks$71K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$71K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$63K
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$62K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$61K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$61K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$61K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$60K
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks$60K
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$60K
- Postal Service Clerks$60K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$58K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$56K
- Financial Clerks, All Other$54K
- Procurement Clerks$54K
- Meter Readers, Utilities$54K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$54K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$54K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$54K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$53K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$53K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$52K
- Bill and Account Collectors$50K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$49K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$49K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$48K
- Order Clerks$48K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$48K
- Customer Service Representatives$47K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$45K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$45K
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$45K
- Office Clerks, General$45K
- Data Entry Keyers$44K
- File Clerks$44K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$42K
- Tellers$41K
- Couriers and Messengers$40K
- Telephone Operators$39K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$38K
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$37K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$35K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$35K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$33K
Production67 jobs
- Power Plant Operators$101K
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers$100K
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$92K
- Gas Plant Operators$81K
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$77K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$75K
- Plant and System Operators, All Other$69K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$64K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$63K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$62K
- Etchers and Engravers$62K
- Pourers and Casters, Metal$60K
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers$60K
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$60K
- Tool and Die Makers$59K
- Machinists$57K
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders$57K
- Dental Laboratory Technicians$57K
- Medical Appliance Technicians$57K
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$55K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$55K
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$55K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$55K
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$53K
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers$53K
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$53K
- Prepress Technicians and Workers$52K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$52K
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders$52K
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$52K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$52K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$51K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$51K
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$50K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$50K
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49K
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49K
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48K
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48K
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$48K
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$47K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47K
- Printing Press Operators$47K
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47K
- Food Batchmakers$47K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$46K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46K
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$46K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$46K
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$44K
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers$44K
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$44K
- Helpers--Production Workers$43K
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders$42K
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$42K
- Production Workers, All Other$42K
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$41K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$41K
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$40K
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators$40K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$39K
- Sewing Machine Operators$37K
- Bakers$36K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$33K
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$32K
Transportation and Material Moving27 jobs
- Commercial Pilots$153K
- Transportation Inspectors$98K
- Flight Attendants$80K
- Traffic Technicians$75K
- Crane and Tower Operators$72K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$65K
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$65K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$65K
- Airfield Operations Specialists$63K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$55K
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders$55K
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers$53K
- Transportation Workers, All Other$52K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$51K
- Bus Drivers, School$50K
- Light Truck Drivers$45K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$42K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$41K
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders$41K
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$39K
- Driver/Sales Workers$38K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$38K
- Material Moving Workers, All Other$38K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$37K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$36K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$36K
- Parking Attendants$32K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry6 jobs
Healthcare Support16 jobs
- Physical Therapist Assistants$71K
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$64K
- Massage Therapists$58K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$54K
- Dental Assistants$52K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$46K
- Psychiatric Aides$44K
- Phlebotomists$44K
- Medical Assistants$43K
- Pharmacy Aides$42K
- Nursing Assistants$42K
- Medical Transcriptionists$39K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$39K
- Orderlies$39K
- Physical Therapist Aides$36K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$35K
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance8 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$60K
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$52K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$51K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$50K
- Pest Control Workers$44K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$41K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$39K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$33K
Personal Care and Service20 jobs
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$60K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$55K
- Costume Attendants$52K
- Skincare Specialists$49K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$48K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$45K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$42K
- Animal Trainers$42K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$42K
- Residential Advisors$42K
- Funeral Attendants$38K
- Tour and Travel Guides$38K
- Concierges$36K
- Animal Caretakers$36K
- Recreation Workers$36K
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$36K
- Childcare Workers$33K
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$32K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$31K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$29K
Food Preparation and Serving Related15 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$64K
- Waiters and Waitresses$43K
- Bartenders$43K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$42K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$40K
- Food Preparation Workers$37K
- Cooks, Restaurant$37K
- Cooks, Short Order$36K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$34K
- Dishwashers$32K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$32K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$30K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$30K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$29K
- Cooks, Fast Food$28K
Jobs paid by the hour in Columbus
For 2 jobs in the Columbus, OH metro area BLS publishes an hourly wage only, because the work is rarely full-time all year (gigs, seasons, performances). An annual figure would overstate what most people earn, so we show the hourly rate.
| Job | Average per hour | Median per hour | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musicians and Singers | $40.34 | $29.37 | 250 |
| Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other | $20.76 | $16.55 | 50 |
Average salary in nearby cities
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Salary in Columbus: questions
What is a good salary in Columbus?
Half of all workers in the Columbus metro earn less than $51,340 and the average is $67,270. Earning more than $80,200 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in Columbus to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $66,609, because prices here are 5% below the U.S. average (BEA price parity 95.5).
What are the highest-paying jobs in Columbus?
Surgeons, All Other ($609,460), Anesthesiologists ($439,050), Emergency Medicine Physicians ($285,000).
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area Columbus, OH (18140), all occupations and 610 individual jobs. What a metro area includes.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules). Includes Columbus's local income tax (2.5%); the city income tax is that of the principal city (suburbs have their own rates) and school district income taxes are not included.
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