Cincinnati vs Columbus: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,949 | $71,377▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.19 | $34.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,464 | $57,816▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,388▲ | $61,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,451 | $81,547▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,279 | $98,878▲ |
| Total Employed | 930 | 1,100▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cincinnati.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Columbus is $4,428 (6.61%). Columbus's median is +1.61% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $37,815,Columbus spans $41,062. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($74,765 effective) pays 6.50% more than Cincinnati ($70,199 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,377/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,878)
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,765)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Cincinnati grew 8.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.8% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$60,370 (2019) → $65,170 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$56,140 (2019) → $69,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Cincinnati or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Columbus as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Cincinnati vs Columbus?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov