Alhambra vs Los Angeles: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Alhambra, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alhambra, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,760▲ | $167,265 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.65▲ | $80.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $128,763▲ | $102,876 |
| 25th Percentile | $152,275▲ | $139,017 |
| 75th Percentile | $198,547 | $211,775▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $237,835▲ | $227,903 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 3,890▲ |
Verdict
Alhambra, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Alhambra and Los Angeles is $495 (0.30%). Alhambra's median is +19.49% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alhambra spans $109,072,Los Angeles spans $125,027. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alhambra ($148,329 effective) pays 0.71% more than Los Angeles ($147,284 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alhambra if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,760/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($237,835)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,329)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Alhambra grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Alhambra, CA
$172,740 (2024) → $162,369 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$123,630 (2019) → $161,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alhambra, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Alhambra or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alhambra and Los Angeles?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov