Atlanta vs Valdosta: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Atlanta, GA and Valdosta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Valdosta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,522 | $124,579▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.54 | $59.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,296 | $95,939▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,296 | $113,319▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,446 | $152,620▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,824▲ | $176,697 |
| Total Employed | 3,970▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Atlanta and Valdosta are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Valdosta is $9,057 (7.84%). Valdosta's median is -11.26% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $113,528,Valdosta spans $80,758. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Valdosta ($133,812 effective) pays 15.90% more than Atlanta ($115,455 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,824)
- ✓Larger job market (3,970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Valdosta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,579/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,812)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Atlanta grew 6.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.8% growth in Valdosta over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$104,780 (2019) → $111,810 (2025)
Valdosta, GA
$133,740 (2019) → $120,576 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Valdosta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Atlanta or Valdosta?
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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