Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Vineland, NJ: $115,835 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Vineland, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $115,835 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vineland's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $100,551 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($162,080) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to establish their careers in Vineland, NJ, the entry level physician assistant salary is projected to start around $115,835 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city median of $162,080, it reflects the typical remuneration that those fresh out of accredited programs can expect initially. New PAs should keep in mind that their salaries are likely to increase as they gain experience; transitioning from the entry level to the 25th percentile at $140,693 can happen within the first few years. Overall, Vineland presents a reasonably attractive job market for new graduates, especially considering the anticipated growth rate of 3.32% for healthcare-related positions.
About the Vineland Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vineland
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 Vineland
Entry-level physician assistants in Vineland, NJ typically start between $115,835 and $140,693 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $103,237 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $162,080 — 15.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in New Jersey of $120,000 represents just 103.60% of the starting physician assistant pay ($115,835/year) in Vineland. 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 Vineland
- 1Research the Vineland market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $115,835 to $140,693, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Vineland, 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 Vineland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Vineland's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Physician Assistant Compensation Range
The physician assistant wage spread in Vineland is $103,237 ( 89.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $115,835, experienced hygienists can earn up to $219,072.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$82,037
2025 BLS Actual
$112,113
2026 Current Est.
$115,835
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Vineland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,527 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,926 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,559 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,335 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,203 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,835 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,681 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Vineland, NJ grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $82,037 in 2019 to $112,113 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $119,681. New graduates entering the Vineland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vineland 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 Vineland
Employers in Vineland that typically hire newly graduated physician assistants include primary care facilities and urgent care clinics, where structured onboarding programs can help ease the transition into professional practice. Surgical specialties may recruit new grads through residency and fellowship programs, and hospitals often have night-shift opportunities available. To enhance starting pay in NJ, candidates should ensure they possess a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, obtain NCCPA certification, and hold a state PA license. Emphasizing continuing education, especially in high-demand areas such as orthopedics or cardiovascular surgery, can significantly influence initial salary and career trajectory. As new PAs navigate their first three years, they should expect modest salary increases through experience, with potential for higher earnings in roles that involve surgical assistance, thanks to first-assist billing practices. In this evolving healthcare landscape, aligning with organizations like AAPA can also provide essential resources and networking opportunities.
More salary data for Vineland, NJ:
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 Vineland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vineland 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