Columbus vs Youngstown: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Columbus, OH and Youngstown, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Youngstown, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,377▲ | $61,463 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.32▲ | $29.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,816▲ | $51,838 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,350▲ | $54,837 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,547▲ | $75,938 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,878▲ | $89,745 |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 380 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Youngstown.
The salary gap between Columbus and Youngstown is $9,914 (16.13%). 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,Youngstown spans $37,907. Columbus 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, Columbus ($74,765 effective) pays 6.31% more than Youngstown ($70,329 effective).
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 Youngstown 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 3.2% growth in Youngstown over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$56,140 (2019) → $69,480 (2025)
Youngstown, OH
$57,980 (2019) → $59,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Youngstown, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Columbus or Youngstown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Youngstown?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Youngstown as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Columbus vs Youngstown?
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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