Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Fontana, CA: $119,623 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Fontana, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $119,623 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fontana's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $105,767 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($177,049) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates looking to establish their careers in Fontana, California, the starting physician assistant salary reflects the opportunities available in this dynamic job market. New grad physician assistants can anticipate a starting salary around $119,623, which positions them on the lower end of the salary spectrum compared to the city’s median of $177,049. Over the first few years, one can expect earnings to increase as they gain experience and move toward the 25th percentile of $149,436. Fontana offers a promising environment for entry-level roles, particularly given the average annual salary's growth trajectory of 3.32%, indicating healthy demand for new talent in the healthcare sector.
About the Fontana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fontana
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 Fontana
Entry-level physician assistants in Fontana, CA typically start between $119,623 and $149,436 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $136,853 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $177,049 — 26.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in California of $110,000 represents just 91.96% of the starting physician assistant pay ($119,623/year) in Fontana. 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 Fontana
- 1Research the Fontana market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $119,623 to $149,436, 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 CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fontana, 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 Fontana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Fontana's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Physician Assistant Compensation Range
The physician assistant wage spread in Fontana is $136,853 ( 114.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $119,623, experienced hygienists can earn up to $256,476.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$84,720
2025 BLS Actual
$115,779
2026 Current Est.
$119,623
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,357 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,801 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,651 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,517 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,276 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,779 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,623 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,594 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Fontana, CA grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $84,720 in 2019 to $115,779 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $123,594. New graduates entering the Fontana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fontana 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 Fontana
Employers in Fontana that typically hire new graduates include primary care clinics and urgent care facilities, which often have structured onboarding processes to help newcomers acclimate to the role. Surgical subspecialties might require residents or fellowship-trained candidates, but opportunities exist for those willing to collaborate closely with supervising physicians. Credentials such as a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification, and state licensing can significantly influence starting pay in CA. For new graduates, the first 1-3 years will focus on honing their clinical skills and possibly considering further certification in subspecialties, especially in high-demand areas like orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery. This time allows fresh PAs to gradually move up in pay while contributing effectively to their teams, mapping a clear path towards higher earning potentials in a robust local market.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Fontana 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 Fontana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fontana 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