Columbus, OH Summary
Comprehensive 2026 analysis of electrician salaries in Columbus, OH, featuring an average annual wage of $68,980 ($33.16/hr) per Glassdoor. Apprentices start at $42K-$52K, journeymen earn $55K-$80K, and master electricians command $75K-$95K+, driven by the Intel semiconductor fab, data centers, and tech/healthcare growth.
Salary Overview
| Trade |
Location |
Average Salary |
Entry-Level Salary |
Top-End Salary |
Year-Over-Year Change |
| Electrician |
Columbus, Ohio |
$68,980 |
$42,000 |
$95,000 |
3.5% |
Compared to National Average: Columbus electricians earn about $68,980 per year ($33.16/hr) per Glassdoor, approximately 11% above the BLS national median electrician wage of $62,350.
Comparable Metro Area Salary Analysis
Higher than Cleveland (~$66K) and Cincinnati (~$65K); comparable to Indianapolis ($66,201) and other Midwest metros. Below Chicago ($74,239) per Glassdoor 2026.
Factors Influencing Local Salary
- Intel/data center construction boom
- IBEW union presence (Local 683)
- Licensing requirements (apprentice, journeyman, master)
- Rapid population growth
- Lower cost of living
Salary by Career Stage
- Apprentice: $42K-$52K
- Journeyman: $55K-$80K
- Senior / Lead: $75K-$90K
- Master / Expert: $85K-$95K+
Job Outlook and Market Trends
Projected 9% national job growth through 2034 per BLS, with Columbus expected to exceed the national rate due to the Intel semiconductor fab, data centers, new construction, aging infrastructure, and retirements. High demand for data center, healthcare, EV, and specialized skills.
Guidance for Professionals and Employers
Job seekers: Start an IBEW Local 683 apprenticeship for paid training and benefits; specialize in data centers or EV for premium pay.
Field service owners: Benchmark billable rates at $100-$150/hr to cover ~$30+/hr wages plus 30-40% fringes; offer signing bonuses and tool allowances to compete with union contractors.
Cost of Living Context
Columbus cost of living is about 10-15% below national average; the $68,980 median salary offers purchasing power equivalent to roughly $75K-$80K in coastal or high-cost cities, with affordable housing boosting net take-home pay.
Popular Benefits Offered
- Full-family health insurance
- Pension/retirement plans (NEBF)
- Paid holidays and training
- Disability insurance
- Take-home vehicles (common for journeymen)
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TJ Landry
TJ Landry has been managing field service teams for over 25 years. He has worked in HVAC, plumbing, and drain cleaning companies, from teams of 2 up to teams of 250+ technicians. TJ has conducted tens of thousands of interviews, set salary and benefits packages for employees, developed workforce training programs, and is always committed to service excellence. When he started working in construction as a field hand in high school, he knew immediately that he wanted to work with tradespeople all his life. His life mission is to help leaders and teams be the best they can be.
