Indianapolis vs Richmond: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Richmond, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Richmond, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,331▲ | $127,732 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.55▲ | $61.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,488▲ | $91,667 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,522▲ | $118,954 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,679▲ | $150,085 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,124▲ | $169,748 |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Richmond is $8,599 (6.73%). 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 Indianapolis spans $73,636,Richmond spans $78,081. Richmond 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, Indianapolis ($142,463 effective) pays 1.83% more than Richmond ($139,904 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Indianapolis grew 31.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$100,570 (2019) → $131,950 (2025)
Richmond, IN
$104,841 (2024) → $123,628 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Richmond, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Indianapolis or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Richmond as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Indianapolis vs Richmond?
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