Harrisburg vs Lancaster: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,197 | $128,189▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.16 | $61.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,349▲ | $63,490 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,133 | $107,215▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $140,350▲ | $136,021 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,967▲ | $160,229 |
| Total Employed | 580▲ | 340 |
Verdict
Harrisburg and Lancaster are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and Lancaster is $992 (0.78%). Lancaster's median is -8.69% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisburg spans $88,618,Lancaster spans $96,739. Lancaster 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, Lancaster ($130,463 effective) pays 1.18% more than Harrisburg ($128,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,967)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,189/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,463)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Harrisburg grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$101,280 (2019) → $123,110 (2025)
Lancaster, PA
$102,470 (2019) → $124,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Lancaster, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Harrisburg or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Harrisburg to Lancaster as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Harrisburg vs Lancaster?
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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