PT Assistant Salary

Columbus vs Cuyahoga Falls: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Columbus, OH and Cuyahoga Falls, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbus, OH
$71,377
$34.32/hr
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
$65,627
$31.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHCuyahoga Falls, OH
Median Salary$71,377$65,627
Hourly Rate$34.32$31.55
Entry Level (P10)$57,816$44,647
25th Percentile$61,350$56,236
75th Percentile$81,547$74,022
Top Earner (P90)$98,878$82,940
Total Employed1,10011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($71,377) and Cuyahoga Falls ($65,627) physical therapist assistant salaries.ColumbusCuyahoga FallsMedian Salary$71,377$65,627Entry Level (P10)$57,816$44,647Top Earner (P90)$98,878$82,940US Median $70,247

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cuyahoga Falls.

The salary gap between Columbus and Cuyahoga Falls is $5,750 (8.76%). 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 Columbus spans $41,062,Cuyahoga Falls spans $38,293. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$57,816
P25$61,350
Median$71,377
P75$81,547
P90 (Top)$98,878
Cuyahoga Falls
P10 (Entry)$44,647
P25$56,236
Median$65,627
P75$74,022
P90 (Top)$82,940

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($74,765 effective) pays 3.33% more than Cuyahoga Falls ($72,356 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $71,377
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $74,765
Cuyahoga Falls
Nominal: $65,627
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $72,356

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Cuyahoga Falls if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Columbus grew 23.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Cuyahoga Falls over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+23.8%

$56,140 (2019) → $69,480 (2025)

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

+9.6%

$58,274 (2024) → $63,883 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Columbus or Cuyahoga Falls?

Columbus has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $71,377/year, compared to Cuyahoga Falls at $65,627/year — a difference of $5,750 (8.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Cuyahoga Falls?

Columbus physical therapist assistants earn $34.32/hr while Cuyahoga Falls hygienists earn $31.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Cuyahoga Falls as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Cuyahoga Falls. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $74,765, Cuyahoga Falls = $72,356), job availability (1,100 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Columbus vs Cuyahoga Falls?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $57,816 in Columbus and $44,647 in Cuyahoga Falls. The Columbus area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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