Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Marana, AZ: $100,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Marana, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $100,999 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marana's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $102,537 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($139,572) 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 Marana, Arizona can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $100,999, which is reflective of the prevailing starting physician assistant salary Marana. This figure represents a significant gap when compared to the overall city median of $139,572, indicating that while there is growth potential, entry-level positions may initially yield lower compensation. New PAs can anticipate a pathway of salary increases from the P10 threshold through the P25 level of $122,227, ultimately moving towards the median over three to five years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 3.32%, Marana presents a favorable market for new graduates, especially considering the competitive nature of the healthcare field in Arizona.
About the Marana Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marana
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 Marana
Entry-level physician assistants in Marana, AZ typically start between $100,999 and $122,227 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,035 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $139,572 — 0.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Arizona of $75,000 represents just 74.26% of the starting physician assistant pay ($100,999/year) in Marana. 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 Marana
- 1Research the Marana market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $100,999 to $122,227, 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 Marana, 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 Marana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marana'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 Marana is $89,035 ( 88.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $100,999, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,034.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,530
2025 BLS Actual
$97,754
2026 Current Est.
$100,999
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Marana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,665 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,449 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,868 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,875 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,754 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,353 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Marana, AZ grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,530 in 2019 to $97,754 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $104,353. New graduates entering the Marana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marana 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 Marana
Various healthcare facilities within Marana actively recruit newly graduated physician assistants, particularly in primary care and urgent care settings, which provide structured onboarding for entry-level professionals. Hospitals and specialty clinics may also seek new grads through residency or fellowship programs, particularly for surgical subspecialties. Credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and national certification as a PA-C can enhance earning potential right from the start in Arizona. Additionally, obtaining a state license and DEA registration can further solidify your standing as a candidate. In your first one to three years, aligning yourself with supervising physicians under the scope of practice will be essential, especially in roles like surgical PA, which can result in higher salaries due to first-assist billing. Focusing on continuous education and specialization may lead to better career advancement opportunities while navigating salary growth in your early career.
More salary data for Marana, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Marana in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Marana?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Marana?
What do new physician assistants make right out of school in Marana?
How do I become a physician assistant in Arizona?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Marana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marana 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