Mission Viejo vs San Francisco: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Mission Viejo, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mission Viejo, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $171,831 | $190,501▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $82.61 | $91.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $124,784▲ | $109,674 |
| 25th Percentile | $150,643 | $162,202▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $204,587 | $226,488▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $234,728 | $245,881▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 1,830▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mission Viejo.
The salary gap between Mission Viejo and San Francisco is $18,670 (10.87%). 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 Mission Viejo spans $109,944,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, San Francisco ($164,775 effective) pays 8.46% more than Mission Viejo ($151,928 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mission Viejo if…
- ✓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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,775)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Mission Viejo grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Mission Viejo, CA
$176,933 (2024) → $166,310 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$126,660 (2019) → $184,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mission Viejo, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Mission Viejo or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mission Viejo and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Mission Viejo to San Francisco as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Mission Viejo vs San Francisco?
Related Comparisons
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