Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Akron, OH: $169,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Akron, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,403/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Akron's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $181,432 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Akron, Ohio, the senior physician assistant pay landscape is marked by significant earning potential, particularly for those with extensive experience and specialized skills. As of 2026, the median annual salary for experienced physician assistants reaches $135,329, but top earners can command up to $169,403. This creates an impressive gap that highlights the value of senior-level expertise in the medical field. Achieving such high compensation typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, years of experience, and often a focus in high-demand specialties. Professionals aiming for the top-tier salaries available in Akron must be prepared to invest in their continuous education and skills development.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Akron earn between $141,703 and $169,403 per year (2026 est.). This $61,816 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Akron median of $135,329 sits 3.61% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Akron | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $135,329 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,703 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,403 | $196,597 |
In Akron, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 25.18% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Akron
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $135,329 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Akron employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Akron command premium compensation, often reaching the $141,703–$169,403 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Akron metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Akron with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in Ohio who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physician Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Akron
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAkron ranks #45 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $169,403).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Akron ($169,403) is 13.47% below the Ohio average P90 ($195,772).
2019 BLS Actual
$146,010
2025 BLS Actual
$163,960
2026 Current Est.
$169,403
2019–2027 Growth
+19.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $146,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $155,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $161,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,028 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Akron saw their compensation grow 12.3% from $146,010 in 2019 to $163,960 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $175,028 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Physician Assistant Earnings in Akron
Specialization plays a critical role in determining compensation levels for senior physician assistants in Akron. Fields such as surgical assistance in orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and critical care offer premiums that significantly elevate earning potential. Employment settings also influence pay—hospital systems often provide steady W-2 compensation, while surgical practices and locum tenens positions can yield more variable but potentially lucrative earnings. Additional factors such as case volume, call coverage, and productivity bonuses are vital determinants in overall remuneration at this level. Advanced credentials, including a Master’s from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA certification, and specialized qualifications, are essential for those looking to bolster their career trajectory. As the landscape evolves, leadership opportunities arise, paving the way for experienced professionals to secure positions such as lead PA or residency program director, further enhancing their professional standing and compensation in the ever-changing healthcare environment.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Akron in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Akron?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Akron?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Akron?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Akron?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $163,960 for physician assistants in the Akron metro area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
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