Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Cambridge, MA: $99,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Cambridge, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $99,641 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cambridge's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,835 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($143,624) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective PAs starting their careers in Cambridge, Massachusetts can anticipate an entry-level physician assistant salary of around $99,641 in 2026. While this starting figure may appear lower than the city's median annual salary of $143,624, it reflects the typical salary expectations for new graduates in the field. Over the first few years, there's a pathway for salary growth, with entry-level positions offering the potential to reach the P25 figure of $122,694 as new professionals gain experience. The healthcare market in Cambridge currently supports new graduates, with a healthy job market that presents opportunities across various settings, including primary care and urgent care, making it a viable place to kickstart a PA career.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cambridge
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 Cambridge
Entry-level physician assistants in Cambridge, MA typically start between $99,641 and $122,694 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,424 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $143,624 — 2.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 140.50% of the starting physician assistant pay ($99,641/year) in Cambridge. 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 Cambridge
- 1Research the Cambridge market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $99,641 to $122,694, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cambridge, 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 Cambridge for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cambridge'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 Cambridge is $102,424 ( 102.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $99,641, experienced hygienists can earn up to $202,065.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,568
2025 BLS Actual
$96,439
2026 Current Est.
$99,641
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,568 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,633 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,339 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,727 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,949 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Cambridge, MA grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,568 in 2019 to $96,439 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $102,949. New graduates entering the Cambridge job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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 Cambridge
In Cambridge, a range of employers actively hire new graduate PAs, particularly in primary care settings where structured onboarding programs are common. Urgent care facilities also look for fresh talent, providing valuable hands-on experience right after graduation. Meanwhile, surgical subspecialties may require completion of residency programs, which can enhance job prospects and earnings for surgical PAs. The right credentials can significantly boost starting pay; possessing a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, obtaining NCCPA certification, and acquiring state licensure are essential. As graduates navigate their initial years, they should focus on gaining diverse clinical experiences while adhering to current regulations that define PA roles—particularly in collaborative practice models. Salary growth over the first three years can be promising, with increased pay potential as they develop skills, especially if pursuing high-demand areas like orthopedics or cardiovascular surgery.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
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 Cambridge. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge 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