Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Boise, ID: $96,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Boise, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,819 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boise's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $101,594 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,366) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field in Boise, 2026 projections indicate that the starting physician assistant salary will be around $96,819. This figure represents a noteworthy gap compared to the overall median salary of $144,366 in the area. However, those early in their careers can expect upward mobility as they advance from the entry-level threshold through to the 25th percentile at $121,296 in just a few years. Boise is currently an inviting market for new physician assistants, given its competitive pay and growing healthcare needs, making it a viable location for recent MS-PA graduates to establish themselves professionally.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boise
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 Boise
Entry-level physician assistants in Boise, ID typically start between $96,819 and $121,296 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,317 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,366 — 2.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Idaho of $65,000 represents just 67.14% of the starting physician assistant pay ($96,819/year) in Boise. 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 Boise
- 1Research the Boise market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $96,819 to $121,296, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Boise, 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 Boise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boise'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 Boise is $111,317 ( 114.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,819, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,136.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,570
2025 BLS Actual
$93,708
2026 Current Est.
$96,819
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,356 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,615 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,708 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,033 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Boise, ID grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,570 in 2019 to $93,708 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $100,033. New graduates entering the Boise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise 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 Boise
In terms of gaining employment, various healthcare settings in Boise, such as primary care clinics and urgent care facilities, are particularly open to hiring new graduates. These employers often provide structured onboarding programs to assist newcomers in acclimating to their roles. Credentials like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and passing the NCCPA certification exam are essential for boosting starting pay in Idaho. Furthermore, focusing on obtaining a Certificate of Added Qualifications in specialty areas can enhance earning potential. In the first three years, new physician assistants should realistically anticipate a gradual increase in salary due to the high demand for PAs, especially in surgical specialties such as orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery, which command higher rates due to their first-assist billing capabilities. Understanding the local job market dynamics and aligning educational achievements with employer expectations will be key strategies for success in the early years of practice in Boise.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
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 Boise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boise 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