Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Branson, MO: $104,352 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Branson, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $104,352 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Branson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $116,464 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,320) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physician assistant workforce in Branson, MO can expect a starting salary around $104,352, a figure significantly lower than the city’s median of $130,320. This means entry-level positions in the region may offer new PAs a compensation package about 20% less than the overall average for the area. However, as they gain experience, entry-level PAs can expect their salaries to grow progressively through their early career. The journey from that entry-level pay towards the city median over the first three to five years appears promising, especially in a market showing a 3.32% annual growth rate. For those considering a career as a physician assistant in Branson, the local job market is currently favorable, providing a solid opportunity for graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Branson
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 Branson
Entry-level physician assistants in Branson, MO typically start between $104,352 and $120,924 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,672 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,320 — 7.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Missouri of $75,000 represents just 71.87% of the starting physician assistant pay ($104,352/year) in Branson. 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 Branson
- 1Research the Branson market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $104,352 to $120,924, 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 MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Branson, 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 Branson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Branson'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 Branson is $67,672 ( 64.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $104,352, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,024.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,905
2025 BLS Actual
$100,999
2026 Current Est.
$104,352
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,186 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,686 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,929 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,999 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,352 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,817 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Branson, MO grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,905 in 2019 to $100,999 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $107,817. New graduates entering the Branson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Branson 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 Branson
Employers in Branson, including primary care offices and urgent care facilities, often hire new physician assistant graduates and offer well-structured onboarding programs. For those interested in inpatient care, hospital medicine groups typically have roles available that feature night-only schedules. Surgical specialties, particularly in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, can command some of the highest salaries, mainly due to the billing opportunities available for first-assist services. To enhance starting pay, a master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and obtaining national certification as a PA-C from the NCCPA are critical. Moreover, acquiring a state PA license, DEA registration, and potentially a Certificate of Added Qualifications in a subspecialty can further increase earning potential in Missouri. Realistically, entry-level PAs can expect a gradual salary increase as they accrue experience, aligning with regional trends and the evolving landscape of available positions.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
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 Branson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Branson 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