PA Salary

Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Fremont, NE: $89,388 (2026)

Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Fremont, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,388 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fremont's local price level (BEA RPP 91.58% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $97,692 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,649) within a few years of clinical practice.

$89,388
Starting Salary
$42.97/hr
Starting Hourly
$89,388
Entry Level
$124,649
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Physician Assistant Entry Level Salary in Fremont, NE — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Fremont, NE physician assistant entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates entering the physician assistant field in Fremont, Nebraska, can expect to start their careers with an entry-level salary around $89,388 in 2026. This figure, while solid, sits below the median annual salary of $124,649 for the area, highlighting the economic gap new PAs may face as they begin their professional journey. However, there is a positive growth trajectory in earning potential; entry-level salaries have room to increase as these professionals gain experience, with potential earnings reaching $112,875 at the 25th percentile. For those considering a career as a physician assistant in Fremont, the predicted growth rate of 3.32% annually indicates that the local job market can be favorable for new grads navigating their initial jobs.

About the Fremont Market

Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Fremont

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$89,388/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$112,875/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$124,649/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$150,717/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fremont

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for physician assistants in Fremont. The median salary is $124,649, compared to the national median of $140,391.$80.4K$105.7K$130.9K$156.1K$181.3K$89.4K10th Pctl$112.9K25th Pctl$124.6KMedian$150.7K75th Pctl$172.6K90th PctlUS Median$140.4K

Entry-level physician assistants in Fremont, NE typically start between $89,388 and $112,875 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,246 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,64911.21% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of physician assistant pay in the Fremont metro area.

Return on Investment

$68,000
Avg NE Program Cost
$89,388
Starting Salary
76.07%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average physician assistant program cost in Nebraska of $68,000 represents just 76.07% of the starting physician assistant pay ($89,388/year) in Fremont. 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 Fremont

  • 1Research the Fremont market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $89,388 to $112,875, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fremont, 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 Fremont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Fremont'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 Fremont is $83,246 ( 93.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,388, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,634.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$63,307

2025 BLS Actual

$86,516

2026 Current Est.

$89,388

2019–2027 Growth

+45.9%

Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Fremont (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for physician assistants in Fremont. Baseline $63,307 in 2025, projected to $92,356 by 2027.$57.5K$67.7K$77.8K$88.0K$98.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$63.3K$66.8K$67.9K$73.0K$75.1K$73.3K$86.5K$89.4K$92.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$63,307Actual
2020$66,772Actual
2021$67,851Actual
2022$72,970Actual
2023$75,112Actual
2024$73,329Actual
2025$86,516Actual
2026(current)$89,388Estimated
2027$92,356Projected

Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Fremont, NE grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,307 in 2019 to $86,516 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,356. New graduates entering the Fremont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fremont metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Fremont

In Fremont, various employers actively recruit new physician assistants as they understand the importance of structured onboarding for recent graduates. Primary care facilities and urgent care centers are common entry points, providing valuable experience and support for newcomers. Meanwhile, those aspiring to work in surgical subspecialties should consider applying to programs that offer residency or fellowship opportunities, which can bolster their credentials and salary potential. To enhance qualification, a master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA certification are essential, while obtaining a state PA license and DEA registration can open more doors. New grads should strategically focus on expanding their skill set in the first few years, acknowledging that surgical PAs, particularly in orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, typically command higher salaries due to their specialized roles. By advancing their qualifications and leveraging their experience effectively, early-career PAs in Fremont can anticipate realistic salary growth as they progress through their new roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Fremont in 2026?

Entry-level physician assistants in Fremont start at approximately $89,388/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $42.98/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Fremont?

Most physician assistants in Fremont progress from the entry-level salary of $89,388 to the area median of $124,649 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $172,634 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is physician assistant school worth it in Fremont?

With a starting salary of $89,388/year in Fremont and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new physician assistants recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new physician assistants make right out of school in Fremont?

New physician assistant graduates in Fremont typically start near the 10th percentile at $89,388/year, or approximately $42.98/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a physician assistant in Nebraska?

To become a licensed physician assistant in Nebraska, you typically need master's degree from an accredited physician assistant program and passing the pance exam., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Nebraska, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some physician assistants pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Nebraska

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, PA-CData verified by Amina Patel, MSPAS, PA-C

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 Fremont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Fremont is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: