Cincinnati vs Cleveland: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,787 | $140,371▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.84 | $67.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,568 | $108,548▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,915 | $121,267▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,548 | $153,224▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,067 | $237,233▲ |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 750 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cincinnati.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Cleveland is $7,584 (5.71%). 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 Cincinnati spans $114,499,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 7.34% more than Cincinnati ($139,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,371/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($237,233)
- ✓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 Cincinnati grew 16.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$110,580 (2019) → $128,520 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$111,070 (2019) → $135,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Cincinnati or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Cleveland as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Cincinnati 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