Atlantic City vs Bridgewater: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Bridgewater, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Bridgewater, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,369 | $159,270▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $76.14 | $76.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,936 | $117,452▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,997 | $140,950▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,868 | $185,967▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,220 | $209,730▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Bridgewater, NJ offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Bridgewater is $901 (0.57%). Bridgewater's median is +13.45% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $82,284,Bridgewater spans $92,278. Bridgewater 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, Atlantic City ($160,200 effective) pays 15.87% more than Bridgewater ($138,255 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,200)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Bridgewater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($159,270/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,730)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Atlantic City grew 32.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Bridgewater over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$116,020 (2019) → $153,280 (2025)
Bridgewater, NJ
$156,557 (2024) → $154,152 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Bridgewater, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Atlantic City or Bridgewater?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Bridgewater?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Bridgewater as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Atlantic City vs Bridgewater?
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