Phoenix vs Yuma: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Yuma, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Yuma, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,120▲ | $137,715 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.88▲ | $66.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,408▲ | $76,715 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,241▲ | $115,315 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,700▲ | $156,840 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,694 | $213,862▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,050▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Yuma.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Yuma is $1,405 (1.02%). 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,Yuma spans $137,147. Yuma 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, Yuma ($148,550 effective) pays 10.32% 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 Yuma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,862)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,550)
- ✓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 20.1% growth in Yuma over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$111,820 (2019) → $134,650 (2025)
Yuma, AZ
$110,950 (2019) → $133,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Phoenix or Yuma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Yuma?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Yuma as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Phoenix vs Yuma?
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