HOURLY WAGE INDEX
Let’s talk wages in Columbus
What is the minimum wage in Columbus?
The current minimum wage in Columbus, Ohio is $10.10 per hour for non-tipped employees. Tipped employees in Columbus earn a minimum wage of $5.05 per hour, plus tips. The minimum wage in Columbus is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. However, it is lower than the current minimum wage in some other major cities, such as Seattle ($15.75 per hour) and San Francisco ($16.07 per hour).
The minimum wage in Columbus has increased several times in recent years. In 2019, the minimum wage was raised from $8.55 per hour to $9.30 per hour. In 2020, the minimum wage was raised to $10.10 per hour. The minimum wage in Columbus is scheduled to increase again in 2024. Under a bill passed by the Ohio legislature in 2022, the minimum wage will increase to $10.50 per hour on January 1, 2024, and then to $11.00 per hour on January 1, 2025. The livable wage in Columbus is generally considered to be $15 per hour for a single adult and $30 per hour for a family of four. Some workers who earn minimum wage may not be able to afford to meet their basic needs. The number of workers earning minimum wage in Columbus is estimated to be 100,000.
What is the living wage in Columbus?
The cost of living in Columbus varies depending on the neighborhood and lifestyle. However, a livable wage in Columbus is generally considered to be $15 per hour for a single adult. For a family of four, a livable wage is generally considered to be $30 per hour.
The livable wage in Columbus is higher than the minimum wage. This means that some workers who earn minimum wage may not be able to afford to meet their basic needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area. Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:
- Short, easy to understand job descriptions
- Mobile-friendliness
- Quick communication
- Streamlined interview stages
Resources
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