Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Fitchburg, MA: $111,953 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Fitchburg, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $111,953 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fitchburg's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $103,182 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($150,440) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physician assistant field, the entry level physician assistant salary in Fitchburg is projected to start around $111,953 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $150,440, it represents a realistic entry point into a rewarding career. Early-career professionals can anticipate steady growth, moving from the entry-level wage toward the 25th percentile at $133,414 and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience over the initial years. Fitchburg's growing healthcare market makes it a viable location for new grads seeking opportunities in various settings, from primary care clinics to hospitals.
About the Fitchburg Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fitchburg
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 Fitchburg
Entry-level physician assistants in Fitchburg, MA typically start between $111,953 and $133,414 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,544 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $150,440 — 7.16% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 125.05% of the starting physician assistant pay ($111,953/year) in Fitchburg. 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 Fitchburg
- 1Research the Fitchburg market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $111,953 to $133,414, 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 Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fitchburg'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 Fitchburg is $91,544 ( 81.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $111,953, experienced hygienists can earn up to $203,497.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$79,288
2025 BLS Actual
$108,356
2026 Current Est.
$111,953
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,288 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,628 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,391 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,073 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,353 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,356 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,953 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,670 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Fitchburg, MA grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $79,288 in 2019 to $108,356 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $115,670. New graduates entering the Fitchburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg
In Fitchburg, several employers actively seek to onboard new graduate PAs, especially in primary care and urgent care settings that provide structured training programs for less experienced candidates. Surgical subspecialties often recruit through residency or fellowship programs, highlighting the importance of additional credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA national certification (PA-C). State licensure and ongoing education are crucial to advancing in this market. Entry-level positions in hospital medicine may offer night-only schedules that can cater to work-life balance needs. As you navigate your early career, expect a realistic salary range that steadily increases based on experience and position, particularly in high-demand areas like surgical PA roles where first-assist billing can significantly enhance pay.
More salary data for Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fitchburg 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