Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Topeka, KS: $99,177 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $99,177 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $111,661 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,109) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the physician assistant field in Topeka, Kansas, the entry level physician assistant salary Topeka presents a starting figure of $99,177 as of 2026 projections. This amount sits notably below the city’s overall median annual salary of $134,109, illustrating a gap that many early-career professionals can expect as they gain experience and skills. Over the first three to five years, beginning PAs can anticipate a gradual salary increase, moving through levels that reach $118,053 at the 25th percentile before aiming for that median. Currently, Topeka offers a relatively favorable market for new grad physician assistant pay KS, especially compared to larger metropolitan areas, aided by a cost of living index of 88.82, which is below the national average.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
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 Topeka
Entry-level physician assistants in Topeka, KS typically start between $99,177 and $118,053 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,243 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,109 — 4.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Kansas of $60,000 represents just 60.50% of the starting physician assistant pay ($99,177/year) in Topeka. 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 Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $99,177 to $118,053, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Topeka, 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 Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka'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 Topeka is $82,243 ( 82.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $99,177, experienced hygienists can earn up to $181,420.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,080
2025 BLS Actual
$95,990
2026 Current Est.
$99,177
2019–2027 Growth
+19.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,961 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,177 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,470 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 11.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $86,080 in 2019 to $95,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $102,470. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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 Topeka
In Topeka, hospitals and urgent care facilities frequently hire new PA graduates, providing structured onboarding programs that are designed to support early career development. Surgical subspecialty programs also create pathways for new graduates through residency and fellowship opportunities, aligning well with the increasing demand for specialized roles in healthcare. For those looking to enhance their starting physician assistant salary in Topeka, obtaining credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and the PA-C certification from the NCCPA can significantly bolster their marketability. As new PAs enter the profession, it’s crucial to be aware that the growth in salary during the first one to three years can be influenced by practice settings and the evolving scope of work governed by state law. Those who align themselves with surgical roles, particularly in orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery, may find higher starting pay due to their responsibilities in first-assist billing, thus enhancing their overall earning potential in the Topeka area.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
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 Topeka. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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