Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Brattleboro, VT: $103,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Brattleboro, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $103,634 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brattleboro's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $100,129 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($137,664) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brattleboro, Vermont, new graduates entering the physician assistant (PA) field can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $103,634 in 2026. This figure is the lower end of the projected salary range for entry-level professionals, contrasting with the city’s median annual salary of $137,664. As entry-level PAs gain experience, realistic salary growth can lead them toward a projected 25th percentile salary of $122,503 within the first few years of their careers. Given Brattleboro's current demand for healthcare providers and the overall growth trajectory of 3.32% annually, this city presents a favorable job market for recent PA graduates looking to establish themselves in the healthcare sector.
About the Brattleboro Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brattleboro
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 Brattleboro
Entry-level physician assistants in Brattleboro, VT typically start between $103,634 and $122,503 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $74,523 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $137,664 — 1.94% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Vermont of $110,000 represents just 106.14% of the starting physician assistant pay ($103,634/year) in Brattleboro. 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 Brattleboro
- 1Research the Brattleboro market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $103,634 to $122,503, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brattleboro, 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 Brattleboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brattleboro'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 Brattleboro is $74,523 ( 71.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $103,634, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,157.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,396
2025 BLS Actual
$100,304
2026 Current Est.
$103,634
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Brattleboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,413 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,665 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,599 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,934 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,304 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,075 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Brattleboro, VT grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,396 in 2019 to $100,304 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $107,075. New graduates entering the Brattleboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brattleboro 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 Brattleboro
Brattleboro offers several employment pathways for new grad physician assistants, particularly in primary care and urgent care settings which often provide structured onboarding programs. These positions tend to hire newly minted PAs due to their focus on team collaboration, which aligns well with the recent emphasis on the Optimal Team Practice model. To boost their starting pay in the state of Vermont, new PAs should prioritize obtaining a Master’s degree from ARC-PA accredited programs, securing their national certification through NCCPA, and maintaining state licensure. Additionally, pursuing a Certificate of Added Qualifications can significantly enhance job prospects and salary potential, especially in specialized fields like orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, which often command higher rates due to the nature of first-assist billing. With informed career planning, entry-level PAs in Brattleboro can realistically anticipate salary progression in their first few years, aligning themselves with the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Brattleboro, VT:
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 Brattleboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brattleboro 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