Cleveland vs Akron: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist 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 | $66,569▲ | $64,771 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.00▲ | $31.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,929▲ | $51,725 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,357▲ | $62,347 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,859 | $78,897▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,677▲ | $82,883 |
| Total Employed | 1,280▲ | 450 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Akron is $1,798 (2.78%). Cleveland's median is -5.24% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $27,748,Akron spans $31,158. Akron 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, Cleveland ($70,876 effective) pays 2.17% more than Akron ($69,370 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 ($66,569/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,677)
- ✓Larger job market (1,280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,876)
- ✓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, physical therapist assistant salaries in Cleveland grew 6.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Akron over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$60,680 (2019) → $64,800 (2025)
Akron, OH
$58,170 (2019) → $63,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Cleveland or Akron?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Akron?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Akron as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Cleveland vs Akron?
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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