Akron vs Columbus: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Akron, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Akron, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,000▲ | $66,072 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.98▲ | $31.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,343▲ | $47,067 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,017▲ | $51,366 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,743▲ | $81,665 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,781▲ | $96,411 |
| Total Employed | 1,360 | 7,210▲ |
Verdict
Akron, OH offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Akron and Columbus is $12,928 (19.57%). Akron's median is +22.42% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Akron spans $78,438,Columbus spans $49,344. Akron has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Akron ($84,610 effective) pays 22.25% more than Columbus ($69,208 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,000/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,781)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,610)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Akron grew 30.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Akron, OH
$59,190 (2019) → $77,360 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$49,770 (2019) → $64,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov