Cottonwood Heights vs Provo: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Cottonwood Heights, UT and Provo, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottonwood Heights, UT | Provo, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,636 | $138,955▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.69 | $66.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,851 | $105,521▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,666 | $124,625▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,290▲ | $150,351 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,933▲ | $178,279 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Provo, UT offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottonwood Heights.
The salary gap between Cottonwood Heights and Provo is $2,319 (1.70%). Provo's median is -1.02% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottonwood Heights spans $83,082,Provo spans $72,758. Cottonwood Heights 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, Provo ($141,456 effective) pays 1.56% more than Cottonwood Heights ($139,282 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottonwood Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,933)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Provo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,955/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,456)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Cottonwood Heights grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.4% growth in Provo over the same period.
Cottonwood Heights, UT
$115,755 (2024) → $132,245 (2025)
Provo, UT
$93,760 (2019) → $134,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottonwood Heights, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Cottonwood Heights or Provo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottonwood Heights and Provo?
Should I relocate from Cottonwood Heights to Provo as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Cottonwood Heights vs Provo?
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