Bristol vs Richmond: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bristol, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,182 | $131,020▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.70 | $62.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,681▲ | $96,129 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,831▲ | $111,389 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,679 | $148,522▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,241 | $177,555▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 620▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Richmond is $6,838 (5.51%). Richmond's median is -6.67% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $67,560,Richmond spans $81,426. Richmond 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, Richmond ($133,888 effective) pays 11.27% more than Bristol ($120,331 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,020/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,555)
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,888)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bristol grew -5.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$127,026 (2024) → $120,192 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$104,980 (2019) → $126,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bristol or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Richmond as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Bristol vs Richmond?
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