Columbus vs Zanesville: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Columbus, OH and Zanesville, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Zanesville, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,117▲ | $131,889 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.33▲ | $63.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,068▲ | $99,714 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,912▲ | $118,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $219,266▲ | $155,355 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,266▲ | $175,906 |
| Total Employed | 1,140▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Zanesville.
The salary gap between Columbus and Zanesville is $10,228 (7.76%). Columbus's median is +1.23% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $118,198,Zanesville spans $76,192. 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, Columbus ($148,862 effective) pays 2.37% more than Zanesville ($145,412 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,117/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,266)
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,862)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Zanesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Columbus grew 37.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.1% growth in Zanesville over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$100,070 (2019) → $137,550 (2025)
Zanesville, OH
$109,906 (2024) → $127,651 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Zanesville, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Columbus or Zanesville?
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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