Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Mequon, WI: $105,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Mequon, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $105,092 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mequon's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $112,518 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,701) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mequon, Wisconsin, new graduates entering the physician assistant field can expect a starting salary around $105,092 in 2026, a figure that falls on the lower end of the salary spectrum for the region. Compared to the city's median annual salary of $129,701, entry-level PAs begin their careers with a notable gap to overcome, emphasizing the importance of strategic career planning. Over the first few years, as entry-level professionals gain experience and possibly transition to higher pay grades, they can anticipate growth toward the 25th percentile at $121,248 and ultimately working their way up to the median salary. For recent graduates, the current market in Mequon appears favorable, offering opportunities for upward mobility in a field that is projected to grow at a rate of 3.32% annually over the next five years.
About the Mequon Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mequon
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 Mequon
Entry-level physician assistants in Mequon, WI typically start between $105,092 and $121,248 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,736 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,701 — 7.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Wisconsin of $78,000 represents just 74.22% of the starting physician assistant pay ($105,092/year) in Mequon. 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 Mequon
- 1Research the Mequon market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $105,092 to $121,248, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mequon, 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 Mequon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mequon's below-average 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 Mequon is $59,736 ( 56.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $105,092, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,828.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$74,429
2025 BLS Actual
$101,715
2026 Current Est.
$105,092
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Mequon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,429 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,502 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,771 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,789 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,395 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,581 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Mequon, WI grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $74,429 in 2019 to $101,715 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $108,581. New graduates entering the Mequon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mequon 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 Mequon
When considering employment opportunities in Mequon, newly minted physician assistants will find that primary care and urgent care settings are among the most likely to hire new grads. These employers typically implement structured onboarding programs, allowing new PAs to integrate smoothly into their roles. Additionally, surgical subspecialties may recruit through residency and fellowship pipelines, while hospital medicine groups often provide a flexible night-only schedule that appeals to those seeking alternative work-life balance. To enhance their earning potential, new graduates should focus on obtaining a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, securing NCCPA certification, and maintaining state licensure. Credentialing endeavors such as pursuing a Certificate of Added Qualifications in subspecialties can also increase starting pay. In the initial years, realistic salary progression often hinges on the delineated PA scope of practice and collaboration with supervising physicians, with surgical PAs, particularly in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, commanding higher compensation due to their specialized skills.
More salary data for Mequon, WI:
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 Mequon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mequon 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