Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Clearfield, UT: $102,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Clearfield, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $102,717 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clearfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $104,706 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,732) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearfield, Utah, fresh graduates entering the physician assistant field can expect a starting salary around $102,717 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the projected median annual salary of $132,732 for all physician assistants in the area, highlighting a gap that new grads may navigate as they begin their careers. However, there is an upward growth trajectory for early-career professionals, who can anticipate reaching approximately $120,621 within the first few years. Additionally, Clearfield presents a viable market for new graduates, particularly given its competitive edge in cost of living—at 98.1, it's below the national average, making salaries stretch further than in more expensive regions. The 3.32% annual growth rate in salaries indicates a promising outlook for those willing to invest in their continuing education and credentialing.
About the Clearfield Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clearfield
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 Clearfield
Entry-level physician assistants in Clearfield, UT typically start between $102,717 and $120,621 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $81,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,732 — 5.46% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Utah of $75,000 represents just 73.02% of the starting physician assistant pay ($102,717/year) in Clearfield. 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 Clearfield
- 1Research the Clearfield market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $102,717 to $120,621, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clearfield, 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 Clearfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clearfield'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 Clearfield is $81,792 ( 79.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $102,717, experienced hygienists can earn up to $184,509.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,746
2025 BLS Actual
$99,416
2026 Current Est.
$102,717
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Clearfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,746 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,728 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,311 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,085 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,416 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,127 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Clearfield, UT grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,746 in 2019 to $99,416 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $106,127. New graduates entering the Clearfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearfield 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 Clearfield
Employment opportunities for entry-level physician assistants in Clearfield are predominantly found within primary care and urgent care settings, which often feature structured onboarding programs that welcome new graduates. Hospitals also hire PAs, frequently offering roles that cater to various schedules, including night shifts. To enhance starting pay, candidates should ensure they possess a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification (PA-C), and a state PA license. Acquiring a DEA registration and exploring optional Certificate of Added Qualifications in subspecialties can further boost earning potential. During the first three years of practice, realistic salary increases can occur, especially for surgical PAs in specialties like orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, which command higher compensation due to first-assist billing structures. In this evolving profession, engaging with organizations like the AAPA and staying updated on state laws regarding PA scope of practice will be essential for long-term success in Clearfield's healthcare market.
More salary data for Clearfield, UT:
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 Clearfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clearfield 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