Skip to main content

Project Manager Salary in Columbus, OH β€” 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.

Project Manager Salary in Columbus β€” Key Numbers

$88,722
Median Salary
$66,204
25th Percentile
$118,989
75th Percentile
$151,200
90th Percentile
National median (Project Manager)$98,580
vs. National median-10.0%
Columbus median household income$64,600
vs. City household income+37.3%

Cost of Living in Columbus

Cost of Living Index
90(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,199/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio16.2%
Annual rent cost$14,388
Median Home Price$265,000
Home Price / Salary3.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$53,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Project Manager make in Columbus, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Project Manager in Columbus is $88,722 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $98,580 adjusted by Columbus's cost of living index (90). The typical salary range runs from $66,204 (25th percentile) to $118,989 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $151,200.

Is Columbus affordable for a Project Manager?

On a $88,722 annual salary, a Project Manager in Columbus would spend approximately 16.2% 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 3.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Project Manager's salary compare to Columbus's overall income?

Columbus's median household income is $64,600. A Project Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $88,722 earns 37.3% more than the typical Columbus household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.