Cleveland vs Columbus: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Cleveland, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,088 | $83,832▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.46 | $40.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,261 | $58,088▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,075 | $66,871▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,144 | $107,525▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,290 | $135,784▲ |
| Total Employed | 10,740 | 11,410▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Columbus is $1,744 (2.12%). Columbus's median is -2.37% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $77,029,Columbus spans $77,696. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($87,811 effective) pays 0.47% more than Cleveland ($87,399 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,832/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,784)
- ✓Larger job market (11,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,811)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Cleveland grew 21.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$66,080 (2019) → $80,000 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$70,640 (2019) → $81,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Cleveland or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Columbus as a accountant?
What do entry-level accountants earn in Cleveland vs Columbus?
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov