Silicon Valley proper — Apple, Google, Nvidia, Adobe. Here's how Physician Assistant (PA)s in San Jose get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Jose metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $162,900 | $123,800 | $211,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $202,500 | $153,900 | $263,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $232,800 | $176,900 | $302,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $279,300 | $212,200 | $363,100 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $316,600 | $240,500 | $411,500 |
Highest-paying metros for Physician Assistant (PA)s — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Jose metro economy.
The average Physician Assistant (PA) salary in the San Jose metro is $232,800 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $176,900 to $302,600 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $384,100 or more.
Yes — San Jose pays +16% 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 Jose vs. national: +62%. That puts San Jose among the stronger US markets for Physician Assistant (PA)s — though cost of living in San Jose is also typically elevated.
In San Jose, the median Physician Assistant (PA) salary of $232,800 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Physician Assistant (PA)s in San Jose start around $162,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $279,300 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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