Akron vs Cleveland: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Akron, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Akron, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,329 | $140,371▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.06 | $67.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,587 | $108,548▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,045 | $121,267▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,703 | $153,224▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,403 | $237,233▲ |
| Total Employed | 400 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Akron and Cleveland is $5,042 (3.73%). Cleveland's median is -0.01% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Akron spans $61,816,Cleveland spans $128,685. Cleveland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($149,453 effective) pays 3.12% more than Akron ($144,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Akron if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,371/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($237,233)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,453)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Akron grew 45.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Akron, OH
$89,810 (2019) → $130,980 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$111,070 (2019) → $135,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Akron or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Akron and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Akron to Cleveland as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Akron vs Cleveland?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov