Las Vegas vs Reno: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Las Vegas, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Vegas, NV | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,131▲ | $139,017 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.89▲ | $66.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,220▲ | $47,827 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,588▲ | $71,694 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,329 | $168,980▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,015▲ | $179,136 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 300 |
Verdict
Las Vegas, NV offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Reno.
The salary gap between Las Vegas and Reno is $114 (0.08%). Las Vegas's median is -0.90% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Vegas spans $117,795,Reno spans $131,309. Reno 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, Las Vegas ($138,833 effective) pays 0.88% more than Reno ($137,622 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,131/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,015)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,833)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Reno if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Las Vegas grew 6.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Reno over the same period.
Las Vegas, NV
$126,470 (2019) → $134,660 (2025)
Reno, NV
$116,750 (2019) → $134,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Vegas, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Las Vegas or Reno?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Vegas and Reno?
Should I relocate from Las Vegas to Reno as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Las Vegas vs Reno?
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