Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Auburn, WA: $108,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Auburn, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $108,920 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Auburn's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $101,415 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($157,511) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new physician assistants entering the job market in Auburn, Washington, starting pay is projected to be around $108,920 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level roles, which can extend as high as $223,785 for more experienced positions. While the median annual salary for PAs in Auburn is expected to be $157,511, new graduates can anticipate a significant gap to bridge, especially within their first few years of practice. However, the upward trajectory from entry-level through P25 ($140,114) suggests promising growth opportunities early in their careers, making Auburn a favorable city for aspiring PAs looking to establish themselves in a thriving medical community.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Auburn
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 Auburn
Entry-level physician assistants in Auburn, WA typically start between $108,920 and $140,114 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $114,865 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $157,511 — 12.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Washington of $100,000 represents just 91.81% of the starting physician assistant pay ($108,920/year) in Auburn. 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 Auburn
- 1Research the Auburn market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $108,920 to $140,114, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Auburn, 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 Auburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Auburn'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 Auburn is $114,865 ( 105.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $108,920, experienced hygienists can earn up to $223,785.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$77,140
2025 BLS Actual
$105,420
2026 Current Est.
$108,920
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,362 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,677 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,524 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,295 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,536 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Auburn, WA grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $77,140 in 2019 to $105,420 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $112,536. New graduates entering the Auburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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 Auburn
Auburn features several healthcare employers that actively recruit new graduates, particularly in primary care and urgent care settings. These organizations typically offer structured onboarding programs that facilitate smoother transitions for inexperienced PAs. Additionally, surgical subspecialty programs may present opportunities for those interested in residencies or fellowships, while hospital medicine groups often have openings for night-shift positions to augment their staff. To maximize starting pay, new graduates should aim to earn credentials such as a Master's degree from an accredited ARC-PA program and NCCPA national certification (PA-C). Furthermore, continuing education and additional qualifications in subspecialties can yield higher salaries. For PAs within their first three years, realistic salary growth expectations align with the local market's demand for skilled professionals, particularly as the industry embraces the Optimal Team Practice model and a collaborative approach to patient care.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Auburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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