Decatur vs Huntsville: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Decatur, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,090 | $110,790▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.97 | $53.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,084 | $99,786▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,786 | $105,913▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,169▲ | $129,253 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,695▲ | $137,591 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Decatur and Huntsville is $2,700 (2.50%). Huntsville's median is -21.08% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $72,611,Huntsville spans $37,805. Decatur 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, Decatur ($122,969 effective) pays 3.30% more than Huntsville ($119,037 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,695)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,969)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,790/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Decatur grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.4% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$98,629 (2024) → $104,617 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$101,720 (2019) → $107,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Decatur or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Decatur and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Decatur to Huntsville as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Decatur vs Huntsville?
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