Merced vs San Francisco: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Merced, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $169,527 | $190,501▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.50 | $91.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,928 | $109,674▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,315 | $162,202▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,653 | $226,488▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,751 | $245,881▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 1,830▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Merced and San Francisco is $20,974 (12.37%). San Francisco's median is +35.69% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merced spans $116,823,San Francisco spans $136,207. San Francisco 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, Merced ($172,503 effective) pays 4.69% more than San Francisco ($164,775 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merced if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $172,503)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($190,501/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($245,881)
- ✓Larger job market (1,830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Merced grew 30.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Merced, CA
$125,850 (2019) → $164,080 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$126,660 (2019) → $184,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merced, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Merced or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merced and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Merced to San Francisco as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Merced vs San Francisco?
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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