Augusta vs Valdosta: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Augusta, GA and Valdosta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Valdosta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,132 | $124,579▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.24 | $59.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,035 | $95,939▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,663 | $113,319▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,333▲ | $152,620 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,356 | $176,697▲ |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Valdosta, GA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Valdosta is $3,447 (2.85%). 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 Augusta spans $108,321,Valdosta spans $80,758. Augusta 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 1.52% more than Augusta ($131,804 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Valdosta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,579/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,697)
- ✓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 Augusta grew 20.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.8% growth in Valdosta over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$97,410 (2019) → $117,240 (2025)
Valdosta, GA
$133,740 (2019) → $120,576 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Valdosta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Augusta or Valdosta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Valdosta?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Valdosta as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Augusta vs 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