Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Ypsilanti, MI: $101,263 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Ypsilanti, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $101,263 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ypsilanti's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $108,651 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,544) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physician assistant (PA) field in Ypsilanti, MI, can expect a starting physician assistant salary of around $101,263 in 2026. This initial pay is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $125,544, representing a gap that early-career professionals will need to consider as they evaluate job offers. However, there is potential for upward movement within the first few years in the profession, with projections showing salaries could rise to an estimated $116,629 for those who quickly gain experience and develop their skills. With a growth rate of 3.32% annually, Ypsilanti remains a viable market for new PA graduates, particularly with its relatively accessible cost of living at 93.2 on the index — below the national average.
About the Ypsilanti Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ypsilanti
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 Ypsilanti
Entry-level physician assistants in Ypsilanti, MI typically start between $101,263 and $116,629 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,970 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,544 — 10.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Michigan of $85,000 represents just 83.94% of the starting physician assistant pay ($101,263/year) in Ypsilanti. 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 Ypsilanti
- 1Research the Ypsilanti market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $101,263 to $116,629, 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 MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ypsilanti, 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 Ypsilanti for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ypsilanti'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 Ypsilanti is $68,970 ( 68.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $101,263, experienced hygienists can earn up to $170,233.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,717
2025 BLS Actual
$98,009
2026 Current Est.
$101,263
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Ypsilanti (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,717 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,642 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,865 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,664 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,425 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,009 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,263 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,625 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Ypsilanti, MI grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,717 in 2019 to $98,009 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $104,625. New graduates entering the Ypsilanti job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ypsilanti 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 Ypsilanti
In Ypsilanti, various healthcare employers actively recruit new graduates, particularly in urgent care and primary care settings, which often offer structured onboarding programs conducive to fostering early-career PAs. Additionally, hospital medicine groups may present opportunities for night shifts that appeal to those looking for flexibility. For new graduates, possessing credentials such as a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification (PA-C), and state licensure can significantly enhance starting salaries. PAs should consider specializing, as surgical positions—especially in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery—tend to offer the highest pay due to billing for first assists. As physicians and hospitals adapt to the Optimal Team Practice model adopted post-2020, new grads can realistically expect their salaries to grow as they gain proficiency and pursue additional qualifications, setting a strong foundation for their future careers in Michigan.
More salary data for Ypsilanti, MI:
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 Ypsilanti. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ypsilanti 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