Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Physician Assistant (PA)s in San Francisco get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Francisco metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $158,100 | $120,100 | $205,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $196,500 | $149,300 | $255,400 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $225,900 | $171,700 | $293,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $271,000 | $206,000 | $352,300 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $307,200 | $233,500 | $399,200 |
Highest-paying metros for Physician Assistant (PA)s — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Physician Assistant (PA) salary in the San Francisco metro is $225,900 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $171,700 to $293,600 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $372,700 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +13% relative to the California state median for Physician Assistant (PA)s. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
San Francisco vs. national: +58%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Physician Assistant (PA)s — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Physician Assistant (PA) salary of $225,900 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Physician Assistant (PA)s in San Francisco start around $158,100, while seniors (10+ years) reach $271,000 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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