Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Jeffersontown, KY: $90,782 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Jeffersontown, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,782 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jeffersontown's local price level (BEA RPP 89.3 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $101,660 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,015) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate entering the physician assistant field in Jeffersontown can expect a starting salary around $90,782. This figure sits significantly below the median annual salary for PAs in the area, which is projected at $119,015, highlighting a typical income gap that new graduates may experience. However, early-career PAs can anticipate salary growth as they gain experience. Within just a few years, entry-level professionals might find their pay climbing toward the 25th percentile at $107,274 and ultimately aiming for the median. Given the current job market in Jeffersontown, which reflects a modest cost of living index of 89.3, it can be an attractive environment for those beginning their careers, particularly as healthcare needs continue to expand.
About the Jeffersontown Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jeffersontown
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 Jeffersontown
Entry-level physician assistants in Jeffersontown, KY typically start between $90,782 and $107,274 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,960 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,015 — 15.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Kentucky of $60,000 represents just 66.09% of the starting physician assistant pay ($90,782/year) in Jeffersontown. 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 Jeffersontown
- 1Research the Jeffersontown market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $90,782 to $107,274, 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 Jeffersontown, 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 Jeffersontown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jeffersontown'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 Jeffersontown is $72,960 ( 80.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,782, experienced hygienists can earn up to $163,742.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,294
2025 BLS Actual
$87,865
2026 Current Est.
$90,782
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Jeffersontown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,294 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,813 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,909 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,108 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,283 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,865 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,782 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,796 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Jeffersontown, KY grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,294 in 2019 to $87,865 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $93,796. New graduates entering the Jeffersontown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jeffersontown 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 Jeffersontown
Several healthcare facilities in Jeffersontown are open to hiring new grad physician assistants, particularly primary care and urgent care clinics that provide structured onboarding programs. These environments are conducive for recent graduates as they offer valuable training and mentorship, which can ease the transition into clinical practice. Hospitals also seek new PAs for roles in hospital medicine, particularly those willing to work night shifts. For those aiming to elevate their starting pay in Kentucky, earning a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and acquiring NCCPA national certification are essential steps. Additionally, pursuing state licensure and DEA registration, along with optional Certificates of Added Qualifications in specific specialties, can further enhance a young PA's marketability. Those who want to excel will need a strategic approach during their first few years, focusing on collaborative practices with supervising physicians and considering opportunities in high-demand specialties like orthopedics, which can lead to higher earnings through first-assist billing. By actively seeking out diverse clinical experiences, new graduates can realistically expect salaries to rise steadily as they develop their skills and expand their professional networks.
More salary data for Jeffersontown, 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 Jeffersontown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jeffersontown 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