Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH: $169,115 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Cleveland Heights, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,115/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Cleveland Heights's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $186,455 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland Heights, the potential for earning as a senior physician assistant is substantial. With a median annual salary projected at $126,006 for 2026, experienced professionals can reach impressive figures, especially among top earners, who are expected to pull in as much as $169,115. This creates a significant gap between the median salary and the potential high salaries, highlighting the value of specialized skills and extensive experience in the field. Achieving top-tier pay typically requires over seven years in practice, advanced credentials, and specialization in high-demand areas, allowing PAs to capitalize on Cleveland Heights's competitive healthcare landscape.
About the Cleveland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland Heights
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Cleveland Heights earn between $149,069 and $169,115 per year (2026 est.). This $72,951 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cleveland Heights median of $126,006 sits 10.25% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cleveland Heights | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $126,006 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,069 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,115 | $196,597 |
In Cleveland Heights, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 34.21% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Cleveland Heights
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $126,006 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cleveland Heights employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Cleveland Heights command premium compensation, often reaching the $149,069–$169,115 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing 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 Cleveland Heights
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCleveland Heights ranks #49 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $169,115).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Cleveland Heights ($169,115) is 13.62% below the Ohio average P90 ($195,772).
2019 BLS Actual
$135,156
2025 BLS Actual
$163,681
2026 Current Est.
$169,115
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Cleveland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,156 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,759 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,608 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,915 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,556 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,115 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,730 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Cleveland Heights saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $135,156 in 2019 to $163,681 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 $174,730 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights
Compensation varies significantly based on specialization and the type of employer, offering various avenues for senior physician assistants in Cleveland Heights. Surgical PAs in specialties such as orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery often command higher salaries due to their role in first-assist duties, which enable billing for their services. Hospital systems, specialty clinics, and emergency departments present different pay structures, where W-2 positions may offer stable salaries and benefits. Alternatively, 1099 arrangements might yield higher short-term compensation but come with varying stability. Seeking advanced credentials, such as a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or NCCPA national certification, can also enhance marketability and increase salary. Leadership roles within healthcare organizations and participation in the AAPA can further bolster a PA’s career trajectory, making them well positioned in the evolving healthcare landscape of Ohio.
More salary data for Cleveland Heights, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Cleveland Heights in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Cleveland Heights?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Cleveland Heights?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Cleveland Heights?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Cleveland Heights?
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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 $163,681 for physician assistants in the Cleveland Heights 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
Salary data for Cleveland Heights is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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