Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Saratoga Springs, UT: $102,221 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Saratoga Springs, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $102,221 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Saratoga Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $104,201 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($137,143) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physician assistant field in Saratoga Springs, UT can expect starting salaries to begin at approximately $102,221 in 2026, which may initially seem lower than the area’s median annual salary of $137,143. This gap illuminates potential financial growth during the first few years of practice, as newly licensed PAs often advance to about $121,742 within the first few years, ultimately progressing toward the median salary with experience and skill development. As statewide projections indicate a steady growth trajectory of 3.32% annually, Saratoga Springs presents a promising market for entry-level positions, offering ample opportunities for new graduates eager to establish their careers in a supportive environment.
About the Saratoga Springs Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Saratoga Springs
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 Saratoga Springs
Entry-level physician assistants in Saratoga Springs, UT typically start between $102,221 and $121,742 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,821 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $137,143 — 2.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Utah of $75,000 represents just 73.37% of the starting physician assistant pay ($102,221/year) in Saratoga Springs. 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 Saratoga Springs
- 1Research the Saratoga Springs market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $102,221 to $121,742, 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 Saratoga Springs, 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 Saratoga Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Saratoga Springs'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 Saratoga Springs is $83,821 ( 82.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $102,221, experienced hygienists can earn up to $186,042.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,395
2025 BLS Actual
$98,936
2026 Current Est.
$102,221
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Saratoga Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,395 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,357 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,592 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,446 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,895 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,936 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,221 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,614 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Saratoga Springs, UT grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,395 in 2019 to $98,936 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $105,614. New graduates entering the Saratoga Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Saratoga Springs 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 Saratoga Springs
Employment prospects for newly graduated physician assistants in Saratoga Springs primarily lie within primary care and urgent care settings, where structured onboarding programs are common. These facilities often hire new grads, providing essential experience and mentoring that can enhance starting pay. Additionally, credentials like a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA certification (PA-C) elevate earning potential. In the first 1-3 years, understanding the importance of specialized training can be advantageous, particularly in surgical specialties such as orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery, where higher compensation reflects the role of first assist billing. Many employers in Saratoga Springs are adapting to the Optimal Team Practice model, which can further support professional development and salary increases, helping new grad physician assistants align their aspirations with the local healthcare market.
More salary data for Saratoga Springs, 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 Saratoga Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Saratoga Springs 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