Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in North Richland Hills, TX: $98,562 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the North Richland Hills, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $98,562 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Richland Hills's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $102,669 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,050) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of physician assistants in North Richland Hills can expect starting salaries around $98,562. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, sitting significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $133,050. Prospective PAs can anticipate potential salary growth as they progress into their careers, with opportunities to reach the 25th percentile at $115,187 within a few years. The market in North Richland Hills is relatively favorable for new graduates, promising a steady demand for PAs due to its growing population and the increasing need for healthcare services, making it a viable location for emerging professionals looking to establish their careers.
About the North Richland Hills Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Richland Hills
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 North Richland Hills
Entry-level physician assistants in North Richland Hills, TX typically start between $98,562 and $115,187 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,616 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,050 — 5.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Texas of $70,000 represents just 71.02% of the starting physician assistant pay ($98,562/year) in North Richland Hills. 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 North Richland Hills
- 1Research the North Richland Hills market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $98,562 to $115,187, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in North Richland Hills, 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 North Richland Hills for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Richland Hills'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 North Richland Hills is $85,616 ( 86.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $98,562, experienced hygienists can earn up to $184,178.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,804
2025 BLS Actual
$95,395
2026 Current Est.
$98,562
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in North Richland Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,804 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,624 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,815 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,459 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,395 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,562 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,834 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in North Richland Hills, TX grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,804 in 2019 to $95,395 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $101,834. New graduates entering the North Richland Hills job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Richland Hills 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 North Richland Hills
Several healthcare employers in North Richland Hills actively seek out new graduate physician assistants, particularly in primary care and urgent care settings where structured onboarding programs are common. Additionally, those interested in surgical specialties may find opportunities through PA residency or fellowship pipelines, especially in high-paying fields like orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery. To enhance starting pay in Texas, candidates should ensure they possess a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, hold a national certification from NCCPA, and obtain necessary state licenses, possibly pursuing added qualifications in subspecialties. During the first few years of practice, it's essential for new PAs to strategize effectively, understanding that their scope of practice is shaped both by state law and collaborative agreements with supervising physicians. Those in surgical positions might earn significantly higher salaries owing to first-assist billing opportunities. With a growth expectation of around 3.32% annually in the field, early-career PAs in North Richland Hills can look forward to a progressive salary trajectory as they gain experience and refine their expertise.
More salary data for North Richland Hills, TX:
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 North Richland Hills. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Richland Hills 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