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Chief Executive Officer Salary in Columbus, OH — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Columbus's cost of living (index: 90). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chief Executive Officer Salary in Columbus — Key Numbers

$189,000
Median Salary
$108,000
25th Percentile
$337,500
75th Percentile
$450,000
90th Percentile
National median (Chief Executive Officer)$210,000
vs. National median-10.0%
Columbus median household income$64,600
vs. City household income+192.6%

Cost of Living in Columbus

Cost of Living Index
90(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,199/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio7.6%
Annual rent cost$14,388
Median Home Price$265,000
Home Price / Salary1.4×
20% Down Payment$53,000
Years to save (20% rate)1.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Columbus

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
2,150,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
33.2
Median Age

Columbus has a metro population of 2,150,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Columbus

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Cost of Living — Columbus
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Rent vs. Buy in Columbus
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Chief Executive Officer Salary in Ohio
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Columbus

Physician$206,370Dentist$157,959IT Manager$152,559Marketing Manager$141,858Lawyer$131,184HR Manager$122,715

Chief Executive Officer Salary — Other Ohio Cities

Cleveland, OH$178,500Cincinnati, OH$191,100Dayton, OH$174,300Akron, OH$174,300Toledo, OH$168,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chief Executive Officer make in Columbus, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Chief Executive Officer in Columbus is $189,000 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $210,000 adjusted by Columbus's cost of living index (90). The typical salary range runs from $108,000 (25th percentile) to $337,500 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $450,000.

Is Columbus affordable for a Chief Executive Officer?

On a $189,000 annual salary, a Chief Executive Officer in Columbus would spend approximately 7.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,199/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Columbus relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $265,000 is 1.4× the annual salary.

How does a Chief Executive Officer's salary compare to Columbus's overall income?

Columbus's median household income is $64,600. A Chief Executive Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $189,000 earns 192.6% more than the typical Columbus household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Chief Executive Officer — NationalChief Executive Officer in OhioAll Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.