Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Mount Vernon, WA: $111,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Mount Vernon, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $111,794 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mount Vernon's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $104,091 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($155,009) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated physician assistants in Mount Vernon, WA can expect starting salaries around $111,794. This initial salary might seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $155,009, but it aligns well with regional trends for new entrants into the healthcare field. Over the first 3 to 5 years, entry-level salaries are projected to rise significantly, reaching $144,280 at the 25th percentile and progressing toward the median. Despite the gap between starting pay and the median for more experienced professionals, Mount Vernon presents a favorable market for new grads, especially considering a growth rate of 3.32% annually expected in the sector.
About the Mount Vernon Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mount Vernon
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 Mount Vernon
Entry-level physician assistants in Mount Vernon, WA typically start between $111,794 and $144,280 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $103,633 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $155,009 — 10.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Washington of $100,000 represents just 89.45% of the starting physician assistant pay ($111,794/year) in Mount Vernon. 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 Mount Vernon
- 1Research the Mount Vernon market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $111,794 to $144,280, 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 Mount Vernon, 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 Mount Vernon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mount Vernon'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 Mount Vernon is $103,633 ( 92.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $111,794, experienced hygienists can earn up to $215,427.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,370
2025 BLS Actual
$108,202
2026 Current Est.
$111,794
2019–2027 Growth
+66.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Mount Vernon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,202 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,506 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Mount Vernon, WA grew 56.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,370 in 2019 to $108,202 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $115,506. New graduates entering the Mount Vernon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon
Employers in Mount Vernon typically hiring newly minted PAs include primary care clinics and urgent care settings, which often provide structured onboarding for inexperienced professionals. Surgical subspecialties and hospital medicine groups also contribute to job openings, with surgical PAs commanding higher salaries due to their involvement as first assistants in operations, particularly in orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery. Credentials that can enhance the starting physician assistant salary in Mount Vernon include a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification, and a state PA license; all of which are essential for entry into the field. In the first few years, diligent new graduates who build professional networks, seek opportunities for continuing education, and align with primary care practices or hospital settings can expect realistic salary growth that reflects their developing skills and competencies in this evolving market.
More salary data for Mount Vernon, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Mount Vernon in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Mount Vernon?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Mount Vernon?
What do new physician assistants make right out of school in Mount Vernon?
How do I become a physician assistant in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Mount Vernon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mount Vernon 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