Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $121,564 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Moreno Valley, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $121,564 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moreno Valley's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $107,484 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($171,830) 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 Moreno Valley, CA, can anticipate a starting physician assistant salary of around $121,564. While this initial figure is modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $171,830, it still offers a solid foundation for recent PA graduates. The salary trajectory for these professionals appears promising, as newcomers can gradually move from entry-level pay to approximately $149,104, before potentially reaching the median within just 3 to 5 years. This upward trend, paired with a projected annual growth rate of 3.32%, makes Moreno Valley a potentially attractive market for new PAs looking to launch their careers in 2026.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moreno Valley
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 Moreno Valley
Entry-level physician assistants in Moreno Valley, CA typically start between $121,564 and $149,104 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $128,651 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $171,830 — 22.39% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in California of $110,000 represents just 90.49% of the starting physician assistant pay ($121,564/year) in Moreno Valley. 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 Moreno Valley
- 1Research the Moreno Valley market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $121,564 to $149,104, 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 Moreno Valley, 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 Moreno Valley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Moreno Valley'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 Moreno Valley is $128,651 ( 105.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $121,564, experienced hygienists can earn up to $250,215.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,095
2025 BLS Actual
$117,658
2026 Current Est.
$121,564
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,095 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,807 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,236 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,658 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,564 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,600 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Moreno Valley, CA grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $86,095 in 2019 to $117,658 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $125,600. New graduates entering the Moreno Valley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley
Opportunities for entry-level PAs in Moreno Valley primarily stem from local healthcare establishments, particularly in primary care and urgent care settings. These environments typically provide structured onboarding, making them accessible for fresh graduates. For those interested in surgical specialties, it's essential to seek residency or fellowship programs, as these paths can help facilitate entry into high-paying roles. To optimize starting pay in California, new physician assistants should prioritize obtaining a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, and pursue NCCPA certification and state licensure. As many states have embraced the Optimal Team Practice model after 2020, PAs can leverage this shift to negotiate more favorable starting salaries. Realistically, salary growth in the first three years for new grads can be substantial, especially for those specializing in high-demand areas like orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, where first-assist billing significantly enhances earning potential.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Moreno Valley. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moreno Valley 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