Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Hanover, NH: $111,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Hanover, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $111,083 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hanover's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $103,526 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,246) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hanover, New Hampshire, new graduates entering the physician assistant profession can anticipate a starting annual salary around $111,083 in 2026. While this figure is slightly below the city’s median salary of $144,246, it represents a solid entry point for those just beginning their careers in healthcare. As entry-level PAs gain experience, they can realistically expect their earnings to rise to around $135,960 at the 25th percentile within the first few years. This growth trajectory suggests that Hanover is a favorable market for new graduates, particularly as the demand for PAs continues on a positive trend, reflected by an estimated annual growth rate of 3.32% in the region.
About the Hanover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hanover
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 Hanover
Entry-level physician assistants in Hanover, NH typically start between $111,083 and $135,960 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $73,576 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,246 — 2.75% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in New Hampshire of $125,000 represents just 112.53% of the starting physician assistant pay ($111,083/year) in Hanover. 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 Hanover
- 1Research the Hanover market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $111,083 to $135,960, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hanover, 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 Hanover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hanover'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 Hanover is $73,576 ( 66.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $111,083, experienced hygienists can earn up to $184,659.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,672
2025 BLS Actual
$107,514
2026 Current Est.
$111,083
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Hanover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,978 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,319 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,342 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,514 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,771 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Hanover, NH grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $78,672 in 2019 to $107,514 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $114,771. New graduates entering the Hanover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hanover 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 Hanover
Healthcare facilities in Hanover, including primary care clinics, urgent care centers, and potential surgical subspecialty programs, actively recruit entry-level physician assistants. Many organizations offer structured onboarding processes specifically designed for new graduates, providing a supportive environment as they transition from academia into practice. To improve their earning potential, recent graduates should prioritize obtaining their Master’s degrees from ARC-PA accredited programs, becoming NCCPA certified, and maintaining a state PA license. Enrolling in continuing education specifically for various medical subspecialties may also be advantageous. Career strategy in the first few years should focus on maximizing professional development under supervising physicians, as PAs who specialize in surgical fields, especially orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, can significantly enhance their starting pay due to billing for first-assist services. Overall, early-career PAs in this region can realistically expect gradual salary growth while building their expertise within the evolving standards of practice.
More salary data for Hanover, NH:
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 Hanover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hanover 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