Columbus vs Shaker Heights: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Columbus, OH and Shaker Heights, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Shaker Heights, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,716▲ | $101,557 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.78▲ | $48.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,005 | $82,064▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,155 | $88,332▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,159▲ | $115,518 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,163 | $130,747▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,030▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shaker Heights.
The salary gap between Columbus and Shaker Heights is $6,159 (6.06%). Columbus's median is +2.31% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $46,158,Shaker Heights spans $48,683. Shaker Heights has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($112,828 effective) pays 0.77% more than Shaker Heights ($111,970 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 ($107,716/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,828)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Shaker Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,747)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Columbus grew 20.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Shaker Heights over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$87,600 (2019) → $105,130 (2025)
Shaker Heights, OH
$78,711 (2024) → $99,119 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Shaker Heights, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Columbus or Shaker Heights?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Shaker Heights?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Shaker Heights as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Columbus vs Shaker Heights?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov