Cleveland vs Akron: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Cleveland, OH and Akron, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Akron, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,371▲ | $135,329 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.49▲ | $65.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,548▲ | $107,587 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,267▲ | $114,045 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,224▲ | $141,703 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $237,233▲ | $169,403 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 400 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Akron is $5,042 (3.73%). Cleveland's median is -0.01% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $128,685,Akron spans $61,816. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($149,453 effective) pays 3.12% more than Akron ($144,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,371/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($237,233)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,453)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Akron if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Cleveland grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.8% growth in Akron over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$111,070 (2019) → $135,860 (2025)
Akron, OH
$89,810 (2019) → $130,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
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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