Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2025 reference period
63 Highest Paying Jobs in Columbus, OH (2026)
The highest-paying job in Columbus, OH, Ohio is Obstetrician/Gynecologist with a median salary of $179,810 as of 2026, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Across all 63 tracked occupations the average median is $100,947, with 30 occupations paying a six-figure ($100K+) median. Columbus, OH has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (national average = 100), so a $100,947 nominal salary equals $108,429 in average-cost-metro buying power.
The 63 occupations below are ranked by median wage in Columbus, OH, OH, from BLS OEWS data. Columbus, OH's cost-of-living index runs 93.1 (national baseline = 100), which shapes the headline-wage interpretation. Top-paying occupations in any U.S. metro typically cluster around physicians, dentists, executives, tech specialists, and licensed professionals. The specific top of the list varies with local industry concentration: tech-heavy metros boost software-engineering ranks, finance-heavy metros boost banking ranks.
Each role on the ranking links to the per-role-and-city page with full percentile distribution (p10 to p90), employment count, and cost-adjusted wage. For workers comparing offers within Columbus, OH, the percentile data is the most decision-relevant.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Columbus, OH
Ranked by median (50th percentile) salary. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each nominal salary to Columbus, OH's cost-of-living index of 93.1 so you can compare buying power against an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $179,810 · 10th–90th $102,160–$181,520 · 490 jobs in metro
Obstetrician/Gynecologists in Columbus, OH earn $179,810 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $181,520. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $193,136 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $167,630 · 10th–90th $105,720–$270,450 · 4,330 jobs in metro
Computer and Information Systems Managers in Columbus, OH earn $167,630 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $270,450. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $180,054 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $166,180 · 10th–90th $64,100–$306,960 · 780 jobs in metro
Dentists in Columbus, OH earn $166,180 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $306,960. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $178,496 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $145,630 · 10th–90th $91,210–$267,050 · 5,750 jobs in metro
Financial Managers in Columbus, OH earn $145,630 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $267,050. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $156,423 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $138,580 · 10th–90th $77,750–$254,150 · 4,460 jobs in metro
Sales Managers in Columbus, OH earn $138,580 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $254,150. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $148,851 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $137,810 · 10th–90th $79,510–$235,150 · 4,960 jobs in metro
Lawyers in Columbus, OH earn $137,810 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $235,150. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $148,024 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $137,550 · 10th–90th $97,820–$212,220 · 1,140 jobs in metro
Physician Assistants in Columbus, OH earn $137,550 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $212,220. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $147,744 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $134,420 · 10th–90th $82,950–$224,440 · 2,330 jobs in metro
Marketing Managers in Columbus, OH earn $134,420 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $224,440. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $144,382 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $133,960 · 10th–90th $50,450–$166,620 · 2,610 jobs in metro
Pharmacists in Columbus, OH earn $133,960 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $166,620. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $143,888 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $133,370 · 10th–90th $67,350–$211,980 · 260 jobs in metro
Optometrists in Columbus, OH earn $133,370 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $211,980. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $143,255 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Full Ranking (63 Occupations)
| Rank | Role | Category | Median | 10th–90th | COL-Adjusted | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obstetrician/Gynecologist | Healthcare | $179,810 | $102,160–$181,520 | $193,136 | 490 |
| 2 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | Technology | $167,630 | $105,720–$270,450 | $180,054 | 4,330 |
| 3 | Dentist | Healthcare | $166,180 | $64,100–$306,960 | $178,496 | 780 |
| 4 | Financial Manager | Finance | $145,630 | $91,210–$267,050 | $156,423 | 5,750 |
| 5 | Sales Manager | Management | $138,580 | $77,750–$254,150 | $148,851 | 4,460 |
| 6 | Lawyer | Legal | $137,810 | $79,510–$235,150 | $148,024 | 4,960 |
| 7 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $137,550 | $97,820–$212,220 | $147,744 | 1,140 |
| 8 | Marketing Manager | Management | $134,420 | $82,950–$224,440 | $144,382 | 2,330 |
| 9 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $133,960 | $50,450–$166,620 | $143,888 | 2,610 |
| 10 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $133,370 | $67,350–$211,980 | $143,255 | 260 |
| 11 | Computer Network Architect | Technology | $131,260 | $85,410–$180,790 | $140,988 | 1,270 |
| 12 | Human Resources Manager | Management | $131,100 | $89,150–$220,890 | $140,816 | 1,870 |
| 13 | Computer Occupations (Other) | Technology | $129,940 | $60,150–$162,930 | $139,570 | 2,410 |
| 14 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $124,580 | $99,960–$150,250 | $133,813 | 3,140 |
| 15 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | $123,270 | $47,990–$208,390 | $132,406 | 850 |
| 16 | Information Security Analyst | Technology | $122,600 | $75,820–$174,670 | $131,686 | 1,650 |
| 17 | Software Developer | Technology | $122,340 | $80,130–$170,000 | $131,407 | 9,880 |
| 18 | Family Medicine Physician | Healthcare | $111,400 | $67,790–$317,130 | $119,656 | 420 |
| 19 | Data Scientist | Technology | $107,950 | $63,530–$169,380 | $115,951 | 1,480 |
| 20 | Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare | $107,520 | $71,400–$212,620 | $115,489 | 5,370 |
| 21 | Computer Systems Analyst | Technology | $107,230 | $67,160–$154,660 | $115,177 | 4,660 |
| 22 | Network Architect | Technology | $105,750 | $65,780–$143,780 | $113,588 | 3,970 |
| 23 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $105,130 | $79,060–$124,110 | $112,922 | 2,030 |
| 24 | Operations Research Analyst | Technology | $104,970 | $52,000–$135,500 | $112,750 | 670 |
| 25 | Software Quality Assurance Tester | Technology | $103,110 | $64,490–$134,950 | $110,752 | 780 |
| 26 | General and Operations Manager | Management | $102,590 | $50,440–$221,270 | $110,193 | 29,070 |
| 27 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $102,380 | $75,590–$150,160 | $109,968 | 1,100 |
| 28 | Database Architect | Technology | $101,450 | $52,980–$144,430 | $108,969 | 430 |
| 29 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | $100,730 | $71,870–$131,390 | $108,195 | 2,630 |
| 30 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $100,570 | $77,000–$135,080 | $108,024 | 3,710 |
| 31 | Engineers (Other) | Engineering | $99,180 | $63,980–$137,690 | $106,531 | 990 |
| 32 | Architect | Engineering | $99,140 | $62,220–$167,110 | $106,488 | 960 |
| 33 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | $99,010 | $68,340–$169,390 | $106,348 | 2,630 |
| 34 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $98,920 | $65,060–$119,710 | $106,251 | 1,370 |
| 35 | Financial Analyst | Finance | $97,920 | $63,550–$145,000 | $105,177 | 2,870 |
| 36 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $96,880 | $81,780–$99,730 | $104,060 | 1,700 |
| 37 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Healthcare | $96,460 | $65,460–$120,200 | $103,609 | 1,390 |
| 38 | Web Developer | Technology | $96,010 | $56,490–$167,010 | $103,126 | 620 |
| 39 | Management Analyst | Management | $90,010 | $63,460–$146,200 | $96,681 | 7,840 |
| 40 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $83,900 | $67,720–$105,770 | $90,118 | 30,510 |
| 41 | Web Designer | Technology | $83,860 | $49,990–$132,800 | $90,075 | 350 |
| 42 | Loan Officer | Finance | $82,160 | $39,650–$144,880 | $88,249 | 2,410 |
| 43 | Accountant | Finance | $81,700 | $56,610–$132,330 | $87,755 | 11,410 |
| 44 | Personal Financial Advisor | Finance | $81,600 | $47,860–$215,250 | $87,648 | 1,900 |
| 45 | Secondary School Teacher | Education | $81,400 | $51,340–$118,650 | $87,433 | 9,210 |
| 46 | Computer Network Support Specialist | Technology | $81,220 | $50,770–$147,740 | $87,240 | 1,710 |
| 47 | Financial Examiner | Finance | $81,000 | $59,670–$129,490 | $87,003 | 930 |
| 48 | Computer Programmer | Technology | $80,910 | $51,270–$128,160 | $86,907 | 410 |
| 49 | Business Professor (Postsecondary) | Education | $80,670 | $38,660–$222,830 | $86,649 | 750 |
| 50 | Elementary School Teacher | Education | $78,150 | $48,760–$102,050 | $83,942 | 9,950 |
| 51 | Statistician | Technology | $78,040 | $57,270–$147,240 | $83,824 | 60 |
| 52 | Market Research Analyst | Management | $77,010 | $41,460–$130,770 | $82,718 | 5,880 |
| 53 | Writer/Author | Creative | $76,490 | $54,470–$104,500 | $82,159 | 240 |
| 54 | Audiologist | Healthcare | $75,400 | $59,010–$104,790 | $80,988 | 260 |
| 55 | Public Relations Specialist | Creative | $73,280 | $45,190–$124,430 | $78,711 | 1,840 |
| 56 | Carpenter | Trades | $66,480 | $47,270–$82,630 | $71,407 | 3,620 |
| 57 | Electrician | Trades | $64,700 | $46,090–$94,410 | $69,495 | 7,210 |
| 58 | Graphic Designer | Creative | $64,000 | $42,430–$102,710 | $68,743 | 1,470 |
| 59 | Plumber | Trades | $63,260 | $40,820–$103,000 | $67,948 | 3,060 |
| 60 | Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | $62,240 | $39,470–$95,100 | $66,853 | 2,520 |
| 61 | Paralegal | Legal | $60,430 | $47,090–$98,030 | $64,909 | 2,260 |
| 62 | Automotive Technician | Trades | $56,150 | $34,420–$85,590 | $60,311 | 3,920 |
| 63 | Welder | Trades | $51,260 | $40,100–$70,470 | $55,059 | 2,190 |
Why These Roles Pay the Most in Columbus, OH
Columbus, OH's pay distribution reflects its mix of regional employers and industries, plus the local cost of living that affects nominal salary levels in the BLS data.
An average median salary above $90K places this metro in the top tier of U.S. cities for nominal pay. Most of that premium accrues to the upper percentiles of skilled and managerial occupations; entry-level and service-sector pay is closer to national norms.
Columbus, OH's cost-of-living index of 93.1 runs 7% below the U.S. national average. Lower nominal pay here often translates to comparable or better purchasing power than higher headline numbers in coastal hubs — see the COL-Adjusted column for the apples-to-apples figure.
How to Use This Ranking
For salary negotiation, the median is a starting anchor — not the ceiling. A Obstetrician/Gynecologist with five-plus years of experience in Columbus, OH should be benchmarking against the 75th percentile ($180,665) or 90th percentile ($181,520), not the $179,810 median. Use the salary percentile calculator to place any specific salary into the BLS distribution for any role-and-city pair.
For cross-city comparisons, ignore the nominal Median column and look at COL-Adjusted. A $180K Obstetrician/Gynecologist salary in Columbus, OH (COL 93.1) translates to $193K of buying power in an average-cost metro — that is the apples-to-apples figure when weighing a relocation. Read the methodology behind these adjustments in our methodology page.
For job hunting, focus on the top-10 ranking above and on the role-by-role detail pages — each links through to a Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Columbus, OH page with full percentile breakdowns, year-over-year change, and prevailing-wage references for H-1B / PERM applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying job in Columbus, OH is Obstetrician/Gynecologist with a median salary of $179,810 and a 90th-percentile reading of $181,520. The role employs roughly 490 workers in this metro according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 OEWS data.
30 of the 63 BLS-tracked occupations in Columbus, OH have a median salary of $100,000 or higher. That is well above what most U.S. metros offer. See the full list ranked by median salary above.
Across 63 BLS-tracked occupations, the average median salary in Columbus, OH is $100,947. The cost-of-living index is 93.1, so adjusted to a national-average baseline, the average is $108,429 in equivalent purchasing power.
Columbus, OH has a cost-of-living index of 93.1, below the national average. Nominal pay translates better than face value, making it a strong choice for many careers — particularly the Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Computer and Information Systems Manager, Dentist occupations at the top of the ranking.
Every wage figure on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program at bls.gov/oes — public domain federal survey data covering about 1.2 million U.S. employers across all industries. The OEWS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentile wages by Metropolitan Statistical Area and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The same data is used by the Department of Labor for prevailing wage determinations.
Related Pages
Rankings based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 reference period. COL adjustments use a composite cost-of-living index calibrated to U.S. average = 100.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026.