Bethlehem vs Philadelphia: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,249 | $140,143▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.98 | $67.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,179 | $107,164▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $121,128 | $127,982▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,216▲ | $162,264 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,827▲ | $175,789 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 3,390▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bethlehem.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Philadelphia is $2,894 (2.11%). Philadelphia's median is -0.18% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethlehem spans $88,648,Philadelphia spans $68,625. Bethlehem 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, Bethlehem ($140,913 effective) pays 3.12% more than Philadelphia ($136,653 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,827)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,913)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,143/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bethlehem grew 7.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$123,469 (2024) → $132,839 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$113,510 (2019) → $135,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bethlehem or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethlehem and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Bethlehem to Philadelphia as a physician assistant?
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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