Richmond vs Waynesboro: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Richmond, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,020▲ | $124,101 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.99▲ | $59.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,129▲ | $93,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,389▲ | $110,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,522▲ | $142,077 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,555▲ | $168,668 |
| Total Employed | 620▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Richmond and Waynesboro is $6,919 (5.58%). Richmond's median is -6.67% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $81,426,Waynesboro spans $74,788. Richmond 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, Richmond ($133,888 effective) pays 11.34% more than Waynesboro ($120,253 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,020/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,555)
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,888)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Richmond grew 20.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.3% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$104,980 (2019) → $126,810 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$125,496 (2024) → $120,113 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Richmond or Waynesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Waynesboro?
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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