Columbus vs Toledo: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Columbus, OH and Toledo, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Toledo, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,854 | $68,606▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.18 | $32.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,849 | $47,703▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,583 | $52,019▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,521 | $101,382▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,596 | $106,129▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,060▲ | 1,100 |
Verdict
Toledo, OH offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Toledo is $3,752 (5.79%). Toledo's median is +4.89% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $63,747,Toledo spans $58,426. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Toledo ($75,016 effective) pays 10.43% more than Columbus ($67,932 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Toledo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,606/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,129)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,016)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Columbus grew 21.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in Toledo over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$51,930 (2019) → $63,260 (2025)
Toledo, OH
$71,430 (2019) → $66,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Toledo, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Columbus or Toledo?
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Should I relocate from Columbus to Toledo as a plumber?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov