Marana vs Phoenix: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Marana, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Marana, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,572▲ | $139,120 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.11▲ | $66.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,999 | $110,408▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $122,227 | $128,241▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,124▲ | $158,700 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,034▲ | $179,694 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 3,050▲ |
Verdict
Marana, AZ offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.
The salary gap between Marana and Phoenix is $452 (0.32%). Marana's median is -0.58% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Marana spans $89,035,Phoenix spans $69,286. Marana 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, Marana ($141,697 effective) pays 5.23% more than Phoenix ($134,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Marana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,572/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,034)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,697)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Marana grew 6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Phoenix over the same period.
Marana, AZ
$127,131 (2024) → $135,087 (2025)
Phoenix, AZ
$111,820 (2019) → $134,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Marana, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Marana or Phoenix?
What is the hourly rate difference between Marana and Phoenix?
Should I relocate from Marana to Phoenix as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Marana vs Phoenix?
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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