Newark vs Trenton: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Newark, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $173,472▲ | $143,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.40▲ | $68.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,218 | $127,982▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $154,917▲ | $136,444 |
| 75th Percentile | $218,467▲ | $167,564 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $260,475▲ | $195,130 |
| Total Employed | 61 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Newark and Trenton is $29,981 (20.89%). Newark's median is +23.56% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $145,257,Trenton spans $67,148. Newark 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, Newark ($150,583 effective) pays 8.28% more than Trenton ($139,069 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,472/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($260,475)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,583)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Newark grew 0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Newark, NJ
$167,172 (2024) → $167,898 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$121,790 (2019) → $138,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Newark or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Newark to Trenton as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Newark vs Trenton?
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