Salary Data
Financial Analyst Salary in Columbus
$79,000
median salary, 7% below the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Financial Analyst salary in Columbus is $79,000. Salaries range from $60,000 (25th percentile) to $104,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Columbus's cost of living.
Salary range
How Columbus compares
Columbus, OH
$79,000
Cost of living: 7% below average
National Average
$85,000
Columbus is $6,000 below
Financial Analyst job market in Columbus
Columbus market overview
Columbus is Ohio's largest city and a growing technology and logistics hub, home to companies like Nationwide Insurance and a major Intel semiconductor fab under construction. The city's large university system and low cost of living attract both startups and corporate expansions. Tech salaries have been climbing as national employers establish Midwest offices.
What drives Financial Analyst salaries
Industry sector (investment banking vs. corporate finance vs. tech FP&A) creates the largest salary dispersion. Financial analysts at investment banks and private equity firms earn significantly more than corporate counterparts. Modeling sophistication, deal experience, and CFA progress also materially affect compensation.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
Bonuses in corporate finance range from 5 to 15% of base. Investment banking analysts receive bonuses of 50 to 100%+ of base salary. Equity is uncommon in traditional finance but increasingly offered at fintech companies. Benefits typically include exam fee reimbursement for CFA and CPA.
Tax considerations in Columbus
Ohio's income tax tops out around 3.5%, and Columbus adds a city income tax of 2.5%. The combined rate is moderate, but the city tax applies to all who work within city limits.
Career progression
Analyst roles start at $65,000 to $90,000 (corporate) or $100,000 to $120,000 (banking). Senior analysts earn $90,000 to $130,000 after two to four years. Finance managers reach $130,000 to $170,000, and directors or VPs in FP&A can earn $180,000 to $250,000 at large corporations.
Top industries in Columbus
Negotiating in Columbus
Mention Intel's new fab investment when negotiating. The semiconductor megaproject is driving salaries upward across the entire Columbus tech and engineering market.