Bellingham vs Pasco: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bellingham, WA and Pasco, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Pasco, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $166,614▲ | $155,479 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.10▲ | $74.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,772 | $116,909▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $145,506▲ | $139,306 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,313 | $188,356▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,512 | $216,992▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pasco.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Pasco is $11,135 (7.16%). Bellingham's median is +18.68% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $92,740,Pasco spans $100,083. Pasco 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, Bellingham ($161,238 effective) pays 11.38% more than Pasco ($144,766 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($166,614/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,238)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Pasco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,992)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bellingham grew 61.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Pasco over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$99,690 (2019) → $161,260 (2025)
Pasco, WA
$146,707 (2024) → $150,483 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bellingham or Pasco?
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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