Phoenix vs Mesa: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,120▲ | $138,447 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.88▲ | $66.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,408▲ | $101,170 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,241▲ | $122,613 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,700 | $168,091▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,694 | $196,439▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,050▲ | 98 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Mesa is $673 (0.49%). Phoenix's median is -0.91% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $69,286,Mesa spans $95,269. Mesa 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, Mesa ($140,555 effective) pays 4.38% 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 Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,120/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,439)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,555)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Phoenix grew 20.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.1% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$111,820 (2019) → $134,650 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$135,507 (2024) → $133,998 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Phoenix or Mesa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Mesa?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Mesa as a physician assistant?
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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