Richmond vs Williamsburg: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Richmond, VA and Williamsburg, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Williamsburg, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,020▲ | $123,699 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.99▲ | $59.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,129▲ | $93,020 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,389▲ | $110,003 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,522▲ | $141,237 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,555▲ | $167,359 |
| Total Employed | 620▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williamsburg.
The salary gap between Richmond and Williamsburg is $7,321 (5.92%). 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,Williamsburg spans $74,339. 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 11.70% more than Williamsburg ($119,863 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$104,980 (2019) → $126,810 (2025)
Williamsburg, VA
$125,089 (2024) → $119,724 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Williamsburg, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Richmond or Williamsburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Williamsburg?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Williamsburg as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Richmond vs Williamsburg?
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