Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Utica, NY: $111,834 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Utica, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $111,834 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Utica's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $120,669 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,958) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Utica, New York, aspiring physician assistants can reasonably expect to begin their careers with a starting salary of around $111,834 in 2026. When compared to the median annual salary of $144,958 for physician assistants in the city, this initial pay might seem modest, yet it reflects the typical journey of a new graduate. Over the first few years, many entry-level PAs can look forward to salary increases, moving past the $131,030 mark at the 25th percentile to approach the median as they gain experience and further develop their skills. Given Utica's projected growth rate of 3.32% in this field, it maintains a viable market for recent graduates, providing a foundation for a solid career trajectory in healthcare.
Career Earnings Timeline in Utica
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 Utica
Entry-level physician assistants in Utica, NY typically start between $111,834 and $131,030 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $66,279 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,958 — 3.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in New York of $145,000 represents just 129.66% of the starting physician assistant pay ($111,834/year) in Utica. 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 Utica
- 1Research the Utica market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $111,834 to $131,030, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Utica, 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 Utica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Utica'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 Utica is $66,279 ( 59.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $111,834, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,113.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$88,370
2025 BLS Actual
$108,240
2026 Current Est.
$111,834
2019–2027 Growth
+30.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,834 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,546 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Utica, NY grew 22.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $88,370 in 2019 to $108,240 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $115,546. New graduates entering the Utica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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 Utica
Understanding the local healthcare environment is crucial for new graduates looking to maximize their earning potential as physician assistants in Utica, NY. Employers such as primary care facilities and urgent care centers often seek new grads due to the structured onboarding processes they offer. Surgical subspecialties typically recruit through established residency and fellowship programs, while hospital medicine groups may be appealing for those looking for night-only schedules. To enhance their starting pay, recent graduates should prioritize obtaining credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification (PA-C), and state licensure, along with optional Certificates of Added Qualifications in desired specialties. These credentials, combined with strategic choices early in one’s career, such as pursuing positions in high-paying surgical fields like orthopedics or cardiac surgery, can lead to significant income growth in the first few years. As PAs are governed by a collaborative practice model, aligning with supervising physicians who value teamwork can lead to a fulfilling and successful career endeavor in Utica.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
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 Utica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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