Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Tualatin, OR: $114,644 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Tualatin, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $114,644 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tualatin's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $111,739 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,571) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physician assistant field in Tualatin, Oregon, the starting pay reflects both the regional market and the overall demand for healthcare professionals. With an entry-level salary starting at approximately $114,644, new PAs can expect their compensation to rise as they gain experience. The median annual salary in Tualatin is $146,571, which indicates a significant gap between starting positions and more experienced roles. Over the first few years, entry-level PAs can anticipate a growth trajectory that may see their earnings reach $134,212 as they ascend to the 25th percentile, eventually aligning closer with the median as they establish themselves in the field. Given the strong demand for healthcare providers in the area and a projected annual growth rate of 3.32%, Tualatin offers a promising market for new physician assistants beginning their careers.
About the Tualatin Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tualatin
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 Tualatin
Entry-level physician assistants in Tualatin, OR typically start between $114,644 and $134,212 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,352 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,571 — 4.4% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Oregon of $95,000 represents just 82.87% of the starting physician assistant pay ($114,644/year) in Tualatin. 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 Tualatin
- 1Research the Tualatin market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $114,644 to $134,212, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Tualatin, 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 Tualatin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tualatin'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 Tualatin is $90,352 ( 78.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $114,644, experienced hygienists can earn up to $204,996.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$81,194
2025 BLS Actual
$110,960
2026 Current Est.
$114,644
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Tualatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,194 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,637 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,022 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,587 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,334 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,533 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,644 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,450 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Tualatin, OR grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $81,194 in 2019 to $110,960 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $118,450. New graduates entering the Tualatin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tualatin 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 Tualatin
In Tualatin, several employers actively recruit recent graduates for entry-level physician assistant roles. Primary care clinics and urgent care centers often have structured onboarding programs, ensuring that new hires receive proper training and support. Additionally, surgical subspecialties may offer opportunities through residency or fellowship pipelines, while hospital medicine groups can provide flexible night-only schedules for those looking to manage work-life balance along with their careers. Credentials play a crucial role in boosting starting pay; obtaining a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, achieving the NCCPA national certification (PA-C), and securing state licensure are essential steps for new PAs. Furthermore, pursuing a Certificate of Added Qualifications in specific subspecialties can enhance marketability. In the first three years, realistic salary growth expectations for PAs in Tualatin may reach competitive levels, especially in surgical fields like orthopedics and critical care, where involvement in first-assist billing can significantly elevate earnings compared to primary care roles.
More salary data for Tualatin, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Tualatin in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Tualatin?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Tualatin?
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How do I become a physician assistant in Oregon?
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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 Tualatin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tualatin 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