Los Angeles vs Napa: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Napa, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Napa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,265 | $177,886▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $80.41 | $85.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,876▲ | $96,739 |
| 25th Percentile | $139,017 | $163,752▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $211,775 | $217,013▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,903▲ | $223,760 |
| Total Employed | 3,890▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Napa are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Napa is $10,621 (6.35%). Napa's median is +26.71% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $125,027,Napa spans $127,021. Napa 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, Napa ($158,045 effective) pays 7.31% more than Los Angeles ($147,284 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,903)
- ✓Larger job market (3,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Napa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($177,886/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,045)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Los Angeles grew 30.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Napa over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$123,630 (2019) → $161,890 (2025)
Napa, CA
$124,500 (2020) → $172,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Los Angeles or Napa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Napa?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Napa as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Los Angeles vs Napa?
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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