Bristol vs Roanoke: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bristol, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,182 | $140,453▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.70 | $67.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,681 | $109,674▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,831 | $130,927▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,679 | $157,418▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,241 | $168,205▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Roanoke is $16,271 (13.10%). Roanoke's median is +0.04% 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,Roanoke spans $58,531. Bristol 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, Roanoke ($150,028 effective) pays 24.68% 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 Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,453/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,205)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,028)
- ✓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 35.7% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$127,026 (2024) → $120,192 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$100,160 (2019) → $135,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bristol or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Roanoke as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Bristol vs Roanoke?
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