PT Assistant Salary

Columbus vs Gahanna: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Columbus, OH
$71,377
$34.32/hr
Gahanna, OH
$64,545
$31.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHGahanna, OH
Median Salary$71,377$64,545
Hourly Rate$34.32$31.03
Entry Level (P10)$57,816$45,951
25th Percentile$61,350$56,460
75th Percentile$81,547$73,386
Top Earner (P90)$98,878$79,607
Total Employed1,1009
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($71,377) and Gahanna ($64,545) physical therapist assistant salaries.ColumbusGahannaMedian Salary$71,377$64,545Entry Level (P10)$57,816$45,951Top Earner (P90)$98,878$79,607US Median $70,247

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Gahanna is $6,832 (10.58%). 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,Gahanna spans $33,656. 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
Gahanna
P10 (Entry)$45,951
P25$56,460
Median$64,545
P75$73,386
P90 (Top)$79,607

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($74,765 effective) pays 5.06% more than Gahanna ($71,163 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $71,377
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $74,765
Gahanna
Nominal: $64,545
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $71,163

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 Gahanna 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 Gahanna over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+23.8%

$56,140 (2019) → $69,480 (2025)

Gahanna, OH

+9.6%

$57,313 (2024) → $62,830 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Columbus or Gahanna?

Columbus has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $71,377/year, compared to Gahanna at $64,545/year — a difference of $6,832 (10.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Gahanna?

Columbus physical therapist assistants earn $34.32/hr while Gahanna hygienists earn $31.03/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Gahanna. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $74,765, Gahanna = $71,163), job availability (1,100 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $57,816 in Columbus and $45,951 in Gahanna. 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