Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Waipahu, HI: $120,357 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Waipahu, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $120,357 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waipahu's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $100,886 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($164,120) 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 Waipahu, Hawaii, can expect a starting salary of approximately $120,357. This figure reflects the entry-level pay scale and is notably below the overall city median of $164,120. As early-career professionals gain experience, they can anticipate salary increases, moving towards the 25th percentile at about $144,234 and eventually reaching the median salary within three to five years. Given the strong projected growth rate of 3.32% annually, Waipahu presents a favorable market for new graduates, allowing them to build a solid foundation as they start their professional journeys.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waipahu
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 Waipahu
Entry-level physician assistants in Waipahu, HI typically start between $120,357 and $144,234 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $110,076 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $164,120 — 16.9% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Hawaii of $90,000 represents just 74.78% of the starting physician assistant pay ($120,357/year) in Waipahu. 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 Waipahu
- 1Research the Waipahu market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $120,357 to $144,234, 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 HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Waipahu, 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 Waipahu for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Waipahu's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) 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 Waipahu is $110,076 ( 91.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $120,357, experienced hygienists can earn up to $230,433.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$85,240
2025 BLS Actual
$116,490
2026 Current Est.
$120,357
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,905 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,359 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,251 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,135 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,508 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,357 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,353 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Waipahu, HI grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $85,240 in 2019 to $116,490 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $124,353. New graduates entering the Waipahu job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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 Waipahu
When seeking employment, entry-level physician assistants in Waipahu may find greater opportunities with primary care facilities and urgent care clinics, as these employers often have structured onboarding programs tailored for new-grads. Surgical subspecialties tend to hire through residency or fellowship pathways, offering robust training and potentially higher salaries. To enhance starting pay in Hawaii, a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification, a state PA license, and DEA registration are essential credentials. For those considering the first few years of practice, aligning with the Optimal Team Practice model can help new PAs navigate their roles. Specializing in high-demand areas, such as orthopedics or cardiovascular surgery, can lead to significant pay increases due to the lucrative nature of first-assist billing. Overall, realistic salary growth expectations in Waipahu can lead to an upward trajectory as new PAs establish themselves in the field.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Waipahu in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Waipahu?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Waipahu?
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How do I become a physician assistant in Hawaii?
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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 Waipahu. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waipahu 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