What this means Our calculation
24 of 34 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is construction supervisors at $82,360. Prices run 5% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is about the same as most metros (4.3%) and the population is growing faster than most (+4.7% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Columbus Government data
All 34 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor | $82,360 | +7% | $86,269 | 5,420 | #105 |
| Electrical Lineworker | $81,760 | -16% | $85,640 | 1,260 | #176 |
| Insulation Installer | $80,000 | +66% | $83,797 | 380 | #1 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $78,950 | +32% | $82,697 | 3,290 | #54 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $77,760 | +27% | $81,451 | 760 | #42 |
| Building Inspector | $76,930 | +14% | $80,581 | 870 | #83 |
| Ironworker | $76,920 | +20% | $80,571 | 370 | #44 |
| Brickmason | $73,550 | +17% | $77,041 | 430 | #44 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $70,410 | +10% | $73,752 | 2,670 | #112 |
| Carpenter | $66,480 | +18% | $69,635 | 3,620 | #53 |
| Flooring Installer | $65,560 | +17% | $68,672 | 170 | #14 |
| Drywall Installer | $65,450 | +22% | $68,556 | 570 | #21 |
| Concrete Finisher | $64,910 | +13% | $67,991 | 1,000 | #44 |
| Electrician | $64,700 | +4% | $67,771 | 7,210 | #168 |
| HVAC Technician | $64,440 | +8% | $67,498 | 3,000 | #79 |
| Telecom Line Installer | $64,000 | -3% | $67,037 | 950 | #133 |
| Plumber | $63,260 | +3% | $66,262 | 3,060 | #161 |
| Paving Equipment Operator | $62,490 | +25% | $65,456 | 490 | #31 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $62,190 | +3% | $65,142 | 2,690 | #127 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $61,380 | -1% | $64,293 | 790 | #190 |
| Glazier | $61,010 | +10% | $63,906 | 390 | #47 |
| Construction Laborer | $60,540 | +29% | $63,413 | 5,590 | #25 |
| Machinist | $57,940 | +2% | $60,690 | 1,150 | #161 |
| Auto Mechanic | $56,150 | +15% | $58,815 | 3,920 | #89 |
| Maintenance Technician | $52,800 | +9% | $55,306 | 10,970 | #91 |
| Painter | $51,810 | +9% | $54,269 | 980 | #95 |
| Welder | $51,260 | -2% | $53,693 | 2,190 | #215 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $51,180 | -1% | $53,609 | 1,100 | #186 |
| Roofer | $49,420 | -1% | $51,765 | 700 | #147 |
| Tile Setter | $47,050 | -7% | $49,283 | 130 | #84 |
| Hazmat Removal Worker | $46,730 | -3% | $48,948 | 140 | #91 |
| Appliance Repair Technician | $46,550 | -8% | $48,759 | 200 | #93 |
| Pest Control Technician | $40,460 | -9% | $42,380 | 500 | #153 |
| Landscaper | $39,100 | +4% | $40,956 | 6,820 | #128 |
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 948,275 homes. 45% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is about as old as most; 16% were built in 2010 or later. 62% of households own their home, and the median home value is $334,800.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
4.3% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Columbus area's population grew 4.7% from 2020 to 2025 (2,141,983 → 2,242,028), ranking #108 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +67,723) 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 up 31% from 2021 to 2025 (12,062 → 15,757). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Columbus area is 24 minutes each way, about the same as the typical metro (24 min). 11% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 71% drive alone, 1% take transit and 17% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Ohio Official source
The main state licensing office in Ohio is the Ohio Department of Commerce. Home of the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Ohio 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 Ohio.