Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Pocatello, ID: $92,358 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Pocatello, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,358 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pocatello's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $103,883 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,779) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the physician assistant field in Pocatello, Idaho, the starting pay typically reflects the challenges and rewards of beginning a career. In 2026, the entry-level physician assistant salary in Pocatello is projected to start at around $92,358. This figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $133,779, indicating a significant gap as new professionals work their way toward that median. Nevertheless, there is room for growth, with early-career PA salaries projected to rise to approximately $108,569 within the first few years, paving the way for further advancement as experience accumulates. Overall, Pocatello presents a reasonable market for new PA graduates, providing essential learning opportunities while allowing for substantial salary increases in the early phases of their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pocatello
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 Pocatello
Entry-level physician assistants in Pocatello, ID typically start between $92,358 and $108,569 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $86,799 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,779 — 4.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Idaho of $65,000 represents just 70.38% of the starting physician assistant pay ($92,358/year) in Pocatello. 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 Pocatello
- 1Research the Pocatello market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $92,358 to $108,569, 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 Pocatello, 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 Pocatello for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pocatello's below-average 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 Pocatello is $86,799 ( 93.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,358, experienced hygienists can earn up to $179,157.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$84,970
2025 BLS Actual
$89,390
2026 Current Est.
$92,358
2019–2027 Growth
+12.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,358 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,424 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Pocatello, ID grew 5.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $84,970 in 2019 to $89,390 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,424. New graduates entering the Pocatello job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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 Pocatello
In Pocatello, entry-level physician assistants often find employment opportunities primarily in primary care and urgent care settings, where structured onboarding programs are designed to support new graduates. Additionally, surgical subspecialties may hire PAs through residency or fellowship pipelines, although these positions typically require further qualifications. Credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA certification (PA-C), and state licensure ensure that new PAs remain competitive in the job market. Additionally, as many practices adhere to the Optimal Team Practice model established after 2020, the collaborative nature of PA roles is emphasized. Those working in surgical fields like orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery may see higher salaries due to first-assist capabilities. Generally, PAs in their first three years can anticipate salary growth that aligns with experience and prevailing local market conditions, positioning themselves for greater financial success in a thriving healthcare community like Pocatello.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Pocatello in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Pocatello?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Pocatello?
What do new physician assistants make right out of school in Pocatello?
How do I become a physician assistant in Idaho?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Pocatello. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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