PAs work under physicians but with broad clinical autonomy. Fastest-growing healthcare role.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Physician Assistant (PA)s. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $100,300 | $81,000 | $121,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $124,600 | $100,700 | $151,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $143,300 | $115,800 | $174,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $171,900 | $138,900 | $209,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $194,800 | $157,400 | $236,900 |
Top 10 states by median Physician Assistant (PA) salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $200,700 | $152,500 | $260,900 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $200,700 | $152,500 | $260,900 | +40% |
| Massachusetts | $186,300 | $141,600 | $242,200 | +30% |
| Washington | $186,300 | $141,600 | $242,200 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $180,600 | $137,200 | $234,800 | +26% |
| Alaska | $174,900 | $132,900 | $227,300 | +22% |
| Connecticut | $173,400 | $131,800 | $225,500 | +21% |
| Maryland | $172,000 | $130,700 | $223,600 | +20% |
| New York | $172,000 | $130,700 | $223,600 | +20% |
| Colorado | $167,700 | $127,400 | $218,000 | +17% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $121,800 | $92,600 | $158,400 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $120,400 | $91,500 | $156,500 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $120,400 | $91,500 | $156,500 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $120,400 | $91,500 | $156,500 | -16% |
| Alabama | $119,000 | $90,400 | $154,600 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $119,000 | $90,400 | $154,600 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $114,700 | $87,100 | $149,100 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $114,700 | $87,100 | $149,100 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $111,800 | $85,000 | $145,300 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $111,800 | $85,000 | $145,300 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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