Harrisburg vs Wilkes-Barre: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,197 | $127,837▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.16 | $61.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,349 | $94,120▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,133 | $113,020▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $140,350 | $151,911▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,967 | $172,684▲ |
| Total Employed | 580▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wilkes-Barre, PA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre is $640 (0.50%). Wilkes-Barre's median is -8.94% 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,Wilkes-Barre spans $78,564. Harrisburg 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, Wilkes-Barre ($131,249 effective) pays 1.79% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,837/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,684)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,249)
- ✓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 3.3% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$101,280 (2019) → $123,110 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$119,812 (2024) → $123,729 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Harrisburg or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Harrisburg vs Wilkes-Barre?
Related Comparisons
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