Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $89,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Vicksburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,620 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vicksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $104,574 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,517) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those stepping into the healthcare field, particularly new graduates looking at an entry-level physician assistant salary in Vicksburg, Mississippi, starting expectations should be set around a base of $89,620 in 2026. This figure represents the starting range for entry-level positions and does indicate a gap when compared to the median salary of $115,517 for the area, which is a typical benchmark for PAs with more experience. However, the growth trajectory for new grad physician assistants in MS is promising; over the first few years, PAs can realistically expect to see salary increases that reflect their skills and experience, moving towards P25 at $104,729 and ultimately aiming for the median salary as they build their careers. With Vicksburg's cost of living index being lower than the national average, there may be favorable conditions for new entrants in the job market.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vicksburg
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 Vicksburg
Entry-level physician assistants in Vicksburg, MS typically start between $89,620 and $104,729 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,129 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,517 — 17.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Mississippi of $55,000 represents just 61.37% of the starting physician assistant pay ($89,620/year) in Vicksburg. 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 Vicksburg
- 1Research the Vicksburg market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $89,620 to $104,729, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Vicksburg, 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 Vicksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Vicksburg'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 Vicksburg is $59,129 ( 65.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,620, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,749.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,471
2025 BLS Actual
$86,740
2026 Current Est.
$89,620
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,471 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,945 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,027 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,159 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,306 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,494 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,595 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Vicksburg, MS grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,471 in 2019 to $86,740 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,595. New graduates entering the Vicksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg
In Vicksburg, primary care and urgent care clinics are key employers that actively recruit newly graduated PAs, typically offering structured onboarding programs designed to ease the transition into practice. Hospitals in the area may also employ new grad PAs, particularly those looking for night-only schedules in hospital medicine, which can provide valuable experience in a supportive environment. To enhance starting physician assistant pay in MS, it’s crucial for graduates to secure credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, alongside NCCPA national certification (PA-C) and state licensure. First-year strategies should include seeking out opportunities in surgical subspecialties, like orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, which often yield higher compensation due to their billing practices. Understanding the state laws and collaborating effectively with supervising physicians will also be key in optimizing one’s earnings during the first three years on the job.
More salary data for Vicksburg, MS:
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 Vicksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vicksburg 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