Franklin vs Indianapolis: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Franklin, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,036 | $136,331▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.03 | $65.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,327 | $109,488▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,918 | $129,522▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,373 | $158,679▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,723 | $183,124▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 700▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Franklin and Indianapolis is $7,295 (5.65%). Indianapolis's median is -2.89% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $78,396,Indianapolis spans $73,636. Franklin 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, Indianapolis ($142,463 effective) pays 0.80% more than Franklin ($141,332 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,331/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,124)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,463)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Franklin grew 17.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Franklin, IN
$105,911 (2024) → $124,890 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$100,570 (2019) → $131,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Franklin or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Franklin to Indianapolis as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Franklin vs Indianapolis?
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