What this means Our calculation
14 of 19 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is plumbers at $85,930. Prices run 7% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is lower than most metros (3.6%) and the population is growing faster than most (+4.3% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Columbus Government data
All 19 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $85,930 | +40% | $92,395 | 100 | #29 |
| Electrician | $79,670 | +28% | $85,664 | 290 | #51 |
| Construction Supervisor | $76,940 | -0% | $82,729 | 150 | #202 |
| Carpenter | $67,780 | +21% | $72,879 | 190 | #48 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $65,010 | +6% | $69,901 | 50 | #109 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $64,970 | +9% | $69,858 | 110 | #112 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $63,770 | -0% | $68,568 | 490 | #199 |
| Machinist | $61,230 | +7% | $65,837 | 1,470 | #74 |
| Concrete Finisher | $59,660 | +4% | $64,148 | 40 | #126 |
| Roofer | $59,400 | +18% | $63,869 | 50 | #78 |
| Painter | $58,560 | +23% | $62,966 | 40 | #46 |
| Maintenance Technician | $58,450 | +21% | $62,847 | 610 | #26 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $57,000 | +10% | $61,288 | 50 | #102 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $55,470 | -8% | $59,643 | 80 | #315 |
| HVAC Technician | $54,490 | -9% | $58,590 | 70 | #288 |
| Construction Laborer | $53,900 | +15% | $57,955 | 310 | #91 |
| Welder | $49,320 | -6% | $53,031 | 310 | #272 |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,180 | +1% | $52,880 | 190 | #184 |
| Landscaper | $38,900 | +4% | $41,827 | 170 | #131 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Columbus
The Columbus area has about 35,991 homes. 54% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is older than most; 13% were built in 2010 or later. Older homes often need more repair, replacement and upgrade work. 72% of households own their home, and the median home value is $238,200.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
3.6% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Columbus area's population grew 4.3% from 2020 to 2025 (82,213 → 85,729), ranking #116 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +2,727) account for most of the change.
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Columbus are down 19% from 2021 to 2025 (231 → 187). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Columbus area is 23 minutes each way, about the same as the typical metro (24 min). 15% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 80% drive alone, 1% take transit and 10% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Indiana Official source
The main state licensing office in Indiana is the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. The state licenses plumbers; most other trades are licensed locally. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Indiana licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Indiana.