Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Centennial, CO: $97,602 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Centennial, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $97,602 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Centennial's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $92,954 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($140,280) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Centennial, Colorado, new graduates entering the physician assistant field can expect an entry level physician assistant salary of $97,602 in 2026, reflecting the lower end of the salary spectrum. This starting pay is significantly below the city’s median annual salary for PAs, which stands at $140,280. For new grads navigating the early years of their careers, this gap offers a clear pathway for salary progression, rising from $97,602 through to $120,050 in the first few years, ultimately aiming toward or above the median level. Given Centennial's current job market conditions and projected growth rate of 3.32%, this area represents a promising opportunity for those beginning their careers, particularly as healthcare demands continue to rise.
About the Centennial Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Centennial
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 Centennial
Entry-level physician assistants in Centennial, CO typically start between $97,602 and $120,050 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $109,213 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $140,280 — 0.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Colorado of $85,000 represents just 87.09% of the starting physician assistant pay ($97,602/year) in Centennial. 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 Centennial
- 1Research the Centennial market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $97,602 to $120,050, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Centennial, 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 Centennial for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Centennial'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 Centennial is $109,213 ( 111.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $97,602, experienced hygienists can earn up to $206,815.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,124
2025 BLS Actual
$94,466
2026 Current Est.
$97,602
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Centennial (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,124 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,907 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,086 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,675 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,014 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,466 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,602 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,843 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Centennial, CO grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,124 in 2019 to $94,466 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,843. New graduates entering the Centennial job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centennial 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 Centennial
To maximize their starting physician assistant salary in Centennial, new grads should target employers that are known for hiring entry-level PAs, such as primary care clinics and urgent care centers, where structured onboarding can provide essential support. These settings are often more accessible for fresh graduates compared to surgical subspecialty programs that require participation in residency or fellowship pipelines. Credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification, and a DEA registration can enhance job prospects and starting pay. During the first 1-3 years, strategic positioning in hospitals, especially in surgical roles like orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, often yields higher compensation due to first-assist billing. Coupled with the many healthcare systems in Centennial adopting the Optimal Team Practice model, new PAs have a solid foundation for career advancement and salary growth in this evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Centennial, CO:
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 Centennial. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Centennial 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