Atlantic City vs West Orange: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and West Orange, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | West Orange, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,369 | $160,374▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $76.14 | $77.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,936 | $120,806▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,997 | $143,303▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,868 | $192,290▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,220 | $218,652▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 11 |
Verdict
West Orange, 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 West Orange is $2,005 (1.27%). West Orange's median is +14.23% 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,West Orange spans $97,846. West Orange 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 15.08% more than West Orange ($139,214 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 West Orange if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($160,374/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($218,652)
- ✓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 West Orange over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$116,020 (2019) → $153,280 (2025)
West Orange, NJ
$157,642 (2024) → $155,221 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
West Orange, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Atlantic City or West Orange?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and West Orange?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to West Orange as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Atlantic City vs West Orange?
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