Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in West Linn, OR: $105,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the West Linn, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $105,557 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out West Linn's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $102,882 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($147,849) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new physician assistants entering the workforce in West Linn, OR, can expect to earn a starting salary around $105,557. This entry-level pay sets the foundation for a career trajectory that may lead to much higher earnings. Given the median annual salary of $147,849 for PAs in the city, new graduates find themselves at a significant distance from the median earnings, suggesting ample opportunities for upward mobility. As they gain experience within their first three to five years, they can progress beyond the 25th percentile salary of $136,938. Overall, West Linn presents a favorable market for new PAs, offering robust compensation compared to national averages, as well as a solid growth outlook in their early careers.
About the West Linn Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in West Linn
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 West Linn
Entry-level physician assistants in West Linn, OR typically start between $105,557 and $136,938 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $98,473 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $147,849 — 5.31% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Oregon of $95,000 represents just 90.00% of the starting physician assistant pay ($105,557/year) in West Linn. 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 West Linn
- 1Research the West Linn market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $105,557 to $136,938, 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 West Linn, 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 West Linn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5West Linn'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 West Linn is $98,473 ( 93.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $105,557, experienced hygienists can earn up to $204,030.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$74,758
2025 BLS Actual
$102,165
2026 Current Est.
$105,557
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in West Linn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,758 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,849 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,124 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,169 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,698 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,447 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,061 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in West Linn, OR grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $74,758 in 2019 to $102,165 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $109,061. New graduates entering the West Linn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Linn 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 West Linn
In West Linn, key employers primarily include primary care facilities and urgent care clinics that frequently seek newly graduated physician assistants. These establishments typically have structured onboarding processes to help new hires acclimate to their roles successfully. Opportunities also exist within specialized fields, such as surgical subspecialties, where PAs may enhance their credentials through residencies or fellowships, further boosting their starting pay. Credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA national certification (PA-C) remain essential for prospective PAs in Oregon. Furthermore, those who navigate the first few years in diverse healthcare settings can expect a realistic salary growth trajectory while honing their skills in a collaborative practice environment. With the Optimal Team Practice model being adopted widely, PAs can leverage their roles to maximize career advancement and salary potential.
More salary data for West Linn, OR:
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 West Linn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for West Linn 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