Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Independence, KY: $93,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Independence, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,789 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Independence's local price level (BEA RPP 89.3 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $105,027 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,377) 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 Independence, Kentucky, can expect a starting salary of approximately $93,789. This figure reflects the lower decile of entry-level pay for this profession, which is significantly below the city’s median salary of $124,377. However, the growth trajectory is promising; over the first 3 to 5 years, entry-level PAs can look forward to advancing toward the 25th percentile of $111,210 as they gain experience and develop their skills. Independence presents a viable market for fresh graduates, particularly as the demand for healthcare services remains steady. Given the local economic context and relatively lower cost of living index of 89.3, the entry-level physician assistant salary in Independence is competitive for new grads eager to start their careers in healthcare.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Independence
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 Independence
Entry-level physician assistants in Independence, KY typically start between $93,789 and $111,210 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,210 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,377 — 11.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Kentucky of $60,000 represents just 63.97% of the starting physician assistant pay ($93,789/year) in Independence. 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 Independence
- 1Research the Independence market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $93,789 to $111,210, 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 KY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Independence, 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 Independence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Independence'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 Independence is $76,210 ( 81.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,789, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,999.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,423
2025 BLS Actual
$90,775
2026 Current Est.
$93,789
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,423 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,059 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,191 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,562 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,809 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,775 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,903 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Independence, KY grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,423 in 2019 to $90,775 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,903. New graduates entering the Independence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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 Independence
Employers in Independence that typically hire newly licensed physician assistants include primary and urgent care facilities that have established robust onboarding programs for fresh graduates. Additionally, surgical subspecialties often seek PAs through residency and fellowship pipelines, although these positions may require further credentialing. To maximize starting pay in Kentucky, it’s crucial to hold a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, acquire the NCCPA national certification (PA-C), secure a state PA license, and obtain a DEA registration. Engaging in continuing education, especially related to additional specialties, can enhance a PA's marketability. New graduates should be mindful that while entry-level salaries can vary, those working in surgical settings, particularly in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, tend to earn higher salaries due to billing as first assists. Realistically, entry-level PAs can expect salary growth aligned with experience and responsibilities over the first few years, shaped by the collaborative nature of the PA role defined by state law and supervising physician relationships.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
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 Independence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Independence 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