Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Goodyear, AZ: $96,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Goodyear, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,687 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Goodyear's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $98,159 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($137,905) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physician assistant field in Goodyear, Arizona, can expect an entry-level salary around $96,687. This starting pay falls significantly short of the city's median annual salary for physician assistants, which stands at $137,905, reflecting a notable gap that early-career professionals should keep in mind. However, there is a pathway for growth; over the first few years, salaries can rise as new PAs gain experience, potentially reaching $118,729 at the 25th percentile within a few years, steadily approaching the median. Consequently, Goodyear presents a moderately favorable market for freshly graduated physician assistants, offering a reliable initial income with a clear trajectory for advancement over time.
About the Goodyear Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Goodyear
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goodyear
Entry-level physician assistants in Goodyear, AZ typically start between $96,687 and $118,729 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,868 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $137,905 — 1.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Arizona of $75,000 represents just 77.57% of the starting physician assistant pay ($96,687/year) in Goodyear. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ARC-PA accredited master's-level PA programs. Most PA programs run 27-30 months and include didactic and clinical rotation phases. Public in-state programs are the most affordable option; private programs in high-cost metros can approach $150k. Totals reflect tuition and program fees only; PANCE certification exam fees are separate.
PA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Goodyear
- 1Research the Goodyear market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $96,687 to $118,729, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physician assistant field — employers in AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Goodyear, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Goodyear for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Goodyear's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physician Assistant Compensation Range
The physician assistant wage spread in Goodyear is $101,868 ( 105.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,687, experienced hygienists can earn up to $198,555.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,476
2025 BLS Actual
$93,580
2026 Current Est.
$96,687
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Goodyear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,476 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,224 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,391 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,928 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,245 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,897 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Goodyear, AZ grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,476 in 2019 to $93,580 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $99,897. New graduates entering the Goodyear job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goodyear metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physician assistant Career in Goodyear
Employers in Goodyear that typically hire new grad physician assistants include primary care practices and urgent care facilities, which often implement structured onboarding programs for recent graduates. These entry-level positions are valuable for gaining practical experience, while surgical subspecialty roles usually recruit through residency or fellowship pipelines, providing additional training opportunities for those interested in specialized fields. To maximize potential earnings in Arizona, new PAs should prioritize obtaining their Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, securing their national certification from the NCCPA, and registering for a state license and DEA credentials. Focusing on areas like orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery can further enhance salary prospects during the first one to three years, as surgical PAs often earn the highest pay due to their role in first-assist billing. Given the ongoing evolution of PA practice in Arizona, including the adoption of the Optimal Team Practice model, early-career professionals are well-positioned to grow their careers in the blossoming health sector of Goodyear.
More salary data for Goodyear, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Goodyear in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physician assistant graduates. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Goodyear. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Goodyear is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
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