Lowell vs Springfield: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Lowell, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lowell, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $152,959 | $167,141▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $73.54 | $80.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,505 | $117,640▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $137,022 | $144,028▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $188,497▲ | $167,141 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $220,016▲ | $170,147 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lowell.
The salary gap between Lowell and Springfield is $14,182 (9.27%). Springfield's median is +19.05% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lowell spans $105,511,Springfield spans $52,507. Lowell 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, Springfield ($173,995 effective) pays 23.42% more than Lowell ($140,976 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lowell if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,016)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,141/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $173,995)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Lowell grew -1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.4% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Lowell, MA
$150,145 (2024) → $148,044 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$121,310 (2019) → $161,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lowell, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Lowell or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lowell and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Lowell to Springfield as a physician assistant?
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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