Philadelphia vs Harrisburg: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Harrisburg, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Harrisburg, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,143▲ | $127,197 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.37▲ | $61.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,164▲ | $74,349 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,982▲ | $107,133 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,264▲ | $140,350 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,789▲ | $162,967 |
| Total Employed | 3,390▲ | 580 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Harrisburg is $12,946 (10.18%). Philadelphia's median is -0.18% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $68,625,Harrisburg spans $88,618. Harrisburg 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, Philadelphia ($136,653 effective) pays 5.98% more than Harrisburg ($128,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,143/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,789)
- ✓Larger job market (3,390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,653)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Philadelphia grew 19.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Harrisburg over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$113,510 (2019) → $135,640 (2025)
Harrisburg, PA
$101,280 (2019) → $123,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Harrisburg, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Philadelphia or Harrisburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Harrisburg?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Harrisburg as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Philadelphia vs Harrisburg?
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