Electrical Engineer Salary in Ohio 2026: Updated Pay Scale by Experience, City & Industry
The electrical engineer salary in Ohio continues to show steady growth in 2026, supported by strong demand in manufacturing, energy, automotive, utilities, and data infrastructure. Ohio has always been an industrial backbone of the Midwest, and electrical engineers remain central to its transformation toward smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and advanced automation.
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If you are planning your career, negotiating an offer, or considering relocation, understanding the electrical engineer salary in Ohio is essential. Compensation varies by experience level, city, certifications, and industry sector. This guide breaks down updated pay scales with clear comparisons so you can evaluate your earning potential with confidence.
Average Electrical Engineer Salary in Ohio 2026
In 2026, the average electrical engineer salary in Ohio ranges between $78,000 and $112,000 per year. The statewide average sits near $95,000 annually. Entry-level engineers typically start lower, while senior engineers and specialists can exceed $130,000 depending on technical expertise and leadership responsibilities.
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Below is a general overview of annual compensation:
| Experience Level | Average Salary Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $65,000 – $78,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | $80,000 – $98,000 |
| Senior (8–15 yrs) | $100,000 – $120,000 |
| Lead/Principal (15+ yrs) | $120,000 – $145,000+ |
These figures reflect base salary only. Total compensation may include bonuses, overtime, profit sharing, and performance incentives.
Electrical Engineer Salary in Ohio by Experience
Experience plays the biggest role in determining the electrical engineer salary in Ohio. Employers reward hands-on project exposure, system design expertise, and the ability to manage complex engineering tasks.
Entry-level engineers usually work under supervision in roles such as design engineer, testing engineer, or field engineer. They support circuit design, power distribution calculations, panel layouts, and PLC programming. At this stage, salary growth depends on technical skill development and certification progress.
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Mid-career professionals typically lead design packages, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and interact directly with clients or contractors. Those experienced in power systems, automation, substation design, or control systems see faster salary progression.
Senior engineers and principal engineers command higher compensation due to decision-making authority, project budgeting control, and mentorship responsibilities. A Professional Engineer (PE) license significantly increases earning potential across all levels.
Electrical Engineer Salary in Ohio by City
Location has a noticeable impact on the electrical engineer salary in Ohio. Urban centers and industrial hubs tend to offer higher compensation due to demand and cost of living differences.
| City | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $88,000 – $110,000 |
| Cleveland | $90,000 – $115,000 |
| Cincinnati | $87,000 – $108,000 |
| Toledo | $82,000 – $100,000 |
| Dayton | $80,000 – $98,000 |
| Akron | $83,000 – $102,000 |
Columbus benefits from strong data center growth, infrastructure projects, and public utilities expansion. Cleveland and Cincinnati maintain robust manufacturing and energy sectors. Dayton continues to offer opportunities in aerospace and defense engineering.
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Rural areas may offer slightly lower base pay, but the cost of living adjustment can balance the overall value.
Electrical Engineer Salary in Ohio by Industry
Industry specialization plays a major role in shaping the electrical engineer salary in Ohio. Engineers working in high-demand sectors often earn more than those in traditional manufacturing roles.
| Industry Sector | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Power Generation & Utilities | $95,000 – $120,000 |
| Automotive & EV Manufacturing | $90,000 – $115,000 |
| Industrial Automation | $88,000 – $110,000 |
| Aerospace & Defense | $92,000 – $118,000 |
| Renewable Energy Projects | $93,000 – $120,000 |
| Construction & EPC Firms | $85,000 – $105,000 |
Utility companies and renewable energy developers offer competitive packages because of grid modernization and clean energy initiatives. Engineers involved in substation design, transmission planning, and protection coordination are especially valued.
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The automotive sector, particularly electric vehicle manufacturing, has boosted demand for control engineers and power electronics specialists. Similarly, data center expansion has increased demand for power system engineers and reliability experts.
Factors Influencing Electrical Engineer Salary in Ohio
Several practical factors affect compensation beyond experience and location.
Education level matters. Engineers with a master’s degree in electrical engineering or power systems often start at a higher pay band.
Professional licensure is critical. A PE license increases credibility and allows engineers to sign and seal drawings. Many firms offer salary increments immediately after licensure.
Technical specialization also drives pay growth. Skills in SCADA systems, PLC programming, high-voltage design, relay protection, and energy storage systems increase value in the job market.
Project management experience contributes significantly to the electrical engineer salary in Ohio. Engineers who manage budgets, timelines, and procurement processes often transition into engineering manager roles with six-figure salaries.
Entry-Level vs Senior Salary Growth Outlook
The salary trajectory for electrical engineers in Ohio remains stable and predictable. Most engineers see a 5–8 percent annual increase during the early career phase. Promotions to senior or lead engineer roles typically result in a 10–15 percent jump.
Over a 10-year span, many professionals move from a $70,000 starting salary to over $110,000 with consistent performance and skill upgrades. Those who move into engineering management or technical consulting may exceed $140,000 annually.
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Cost of Living and Real Income Value
Ohio maintains a moderate cost of living compared to coastal states. Housing, transportation, and utility costs remain lower than the national average in many cities. As a result, the electrical engineer salary in Ohio often provides strong purchasing power.
For example, a $100,000 salary in Columbus or Cincinnati offers more disposable income than the same salary in high-cost states like California or New York. This balance makes Ohio attractive for engineers seeking financial stability and career growth.
Job Market Demand in 2026
The job outlook for electrical engineers in Ohio remains positive. Several trends support continued demand:
- Manufacturing modernization and Industry 4.0 adoption
- Grid upgrades and renewable integration
- Expansion of EV infrastructure
- Data center construction projects
- Aging workforce replacement
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Companies are actively hiring engineers skilled in electrical design, power distribution, automation systems, and control engineering. Recruitment competition in some sectors has pushed salaries slightly higher in 2026.
Bonus and Benefits Structure
Beyond base pay, many employers offer additional compensation components:
- Annual performance bonuses ranging from 5–12 percent
- 401(k) matching contributions
- Health and dental insurance coverage
- Tuition reimbursement programs
- Relocation packages
When evaluating an offer, total compensation should be considered alongside the base electrical engineer salary in Ohio.
Future Salary Trends Beyond 2026
Market analysts expect steady growth in engineering wages over the next few years. Clean energy policies, semiconductor manufacturing investments, and federal infrastructure programs may further strengthen demand.
Engineers who continuously upgrade technical skills and adapt to emerging technologies such as smart grids and battery energy storage systems will likely see above-average salary growth.
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Final Thoughts
The electrical engineer salary in Ohio in 2026 reflects a healthy and stable job market. Average earnings range from the mid-$70,000s for entry-level positions to well above $130,000 for experienced professionals and technical leaders.
Compensation depends heavily on experience, city, industry specialization, and professional licensure. With a reasonable cost of living and strong industrial base, Ohio offers an attractive environment for electrical engineers seeking both career advancement and financial growth.
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Whether you are just entering the workforce or planning your next promotion, understanding the electrical engineer salary in Ohio helps you make informed decisions. The state continues to provide solid opportunities across utilities, manufacturing, aerospace, renewable energy, and advanced automation industries.
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