Ann Arbor vs Bay City: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Bay City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Bay City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,802▲ | $133,992 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.21▲ | $64.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,196▲ | $101,180 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,335▲ | $119,911 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,417▲ | $157,743 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,967 | $178,565▲ |
| Total Employed | 810▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bay City.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Bay City is $5,810 (4.34%). Ann Arbor's median is -0.42% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $50,771,Bay City spans $77,385. Bay City 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, Bay City ($143,768 effective) pays 3.74% more than Ann Arbor ($138,582 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,802/year)
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Bay City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,565)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,768)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Ann Arbor grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Bay City over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$113,100 (2019) → $135,310 (2025)
Bay City, MI
$112,874 (2024) → $129,686 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Bay City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Ann Arbor or Bay City?
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Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Bay City as a physician assistant?
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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