Cleveland vs Dayton: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,362▲ | $63,182 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.79▲ | $30.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,961▲ | $39,745 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,417▲ | $49,661 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,079▲ | $80,624 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,457▲ | $100,312 |
| Total Employed | 4,420▲ | 1,920 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $9,180 (14.53%). Cleveland's median is +12.14% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $60,496,Dayton spans $60,567. Dayton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($77,044 effective) pays 13.03% more than Dayton ($68,162 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,362/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,457)
- ✓Larger job market (4,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,044)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Cleveland grew 20.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.4% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$58,670 (2019) → $70,860 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$46,040 (2019) → $61,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Cleveland vs Dayton?
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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