Jersey City vs Newark: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Jersey City, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jersey City, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $176,188▲ | $173,472 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.70▲ | $83.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $120,544▲ | $115,218 |
| 25th Percentile | $150,261 | $154,917▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $214,452 | $218,467▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $251,855 | $260,475▲ |
| Total Employed | 42 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Jersey City and Newark are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Jersey City and Newark is $2,716 (1.57%). Jersey City's median is +25.50% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jersey City spans $131,311,Newark spans $145,257. Newark 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, Jersey City ($152,941 effective) pays 1.57% more than Newark ($150,583 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jersey City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,188/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,941)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($260,475)
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Jersey City grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.4% growth in Newark over the same period.
Jersey City, NJ
$166,555 (2024) → $170,527 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$167,172 (2024) → $167,898 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jersey City, NJ
Newark, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Jersey City or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jersey City and Newark?
Should I relocate from Jersey City to Newark as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Jersey City vs Newark?
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