Cincinnati vs Dayton: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,787 | $142,995▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.84 | $68.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,568 | $108,383▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,915 | $120,254▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,548▲ | $148,078 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,067▲ | $179,446 |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 510 |
Verdict
Cincinnati and Dayton are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Dayton is $10,208 (7.69%). Dayton's median is +1.85% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $114,499,Dayton spans $71,063. Cincinnati 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, Dayton ($154,266 effective) pays 10.80% more than Cincinnati ($139,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,067)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,995/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,266)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Cincinnati grew 16.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$110,580 (2019) → $128,520 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$107,780 (2019) → $138,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Cincinnati or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Dayton as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Cincinnati vs Dayton?
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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
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