Athens vs Gainesville: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Athens, GA and Gainesville, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Gainesville, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,625▲ | $115,140 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.32▲ | $55.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,931▲ | $87,812 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,392 | $104,777▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,537▲ | $141,290 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,626▲ | $162,068 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gainesville.
The salary gap between Athens and Gainesville is $14,485 (12.58%). Athens's median is -7.67% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $67,695,Gainesville spans $74,256. Gainesville 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, Athens ($138,870 effective) pays 16.71% more than Gainesville ($118,988 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,625/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,626)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,870)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Athens grew 5.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Gainesville over the same period.
Athens, GA
$118,990 (2019) → $125,460 (2025)
Gainesville, GA
$94,830 (2019) → $111,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Gainesville, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Athens or Gainesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Gainesville?
Should I relocate from Athens to Gainesville as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Athens vs Gainesville?
Related Comparisons
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