Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,388▲ | $127,837 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.21▲ | $61.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,905▲ | $94,120 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,118 | $113,020▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,602 | $151,911▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,808 | $172,684▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,560▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre is $1,551 (1.21%). Pittsburgh's median is -7.84% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $49,903,Wilkes-Barre spans $78,564. Wilkes-Barre 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, Pittsburgh ($136,671 effective) pays 4.13% more than Wilkes-Barre ($131,249 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,388/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,671)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,684)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Pittsburgh grew 36.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.3% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$91,860 (2019) → $125,230 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$119,812 (2024) → $123,729 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Pittsburgh or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre?
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