San Tan Valley vs Tucson: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between San Tan Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Tan Valley, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,166▲ | $134,192 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.91▲ | $64.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,189 | $103,072▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,654▲ | $124,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,253 | $167,523▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,658 | $213,542▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 290▲ |
Verdict
San Tan Valley and Tucson are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Tan Valley and Tucson is $4,974 (3.71%). San Tan Valley's median is -0.87% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Tan Valley spans $88,469,Tucson spans $110,470. Tucson 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, San Tan Valley ($141,285 effective) pays 2.02% more than Tucson ($138,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Tan Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,166/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,285)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,542)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in San Tan Valley grew 6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Tucson over the same period.
San Tan Valley, AZ
$126,761 (2024) → $134,694 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$114,290 (2019) → $129,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Tan Valley, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: San Tan Valley or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Tan Valley and Tucson?
Should I relocate from San Tan Valley to Tucson as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in San Tan Valley vs Tucson?
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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