Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Racine, WI: $118,022 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Racine, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $118,022 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Racine's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $122,990 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,748) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the medical field as a physician assistant in Racine, Wisconsin, the expected starting salary for new graduates is projected at $118,022 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range, which allows for modest adjustments as one gains experience in the field. In comparison, the city’s median annual salary stands at $138,748, indicating a notable gap for new entrants. However, as recent graduates begin their careers, they can realistically anticipate growth in their earnings over the first few years, moving towards the 25th percentile mark of about $135,008. Overall, Racine presents a promising market for new PA graduates, offering a solid salary structure that enables significant advancement as they build their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Racine
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 Racine
Entry-level physician assistants in Racine, WI typically start between $118,022 and $135,008 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,806 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,748 — 1.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Wisconsin of $78,000 represents just 66.09% of the starting physician assistant pay ($118,022/year) in Racine. 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 Racine
- 1Research the Racine market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $118,022 to $135,008, 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 Racine, 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 Racine for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Racine'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 Racine is $42,806 ( 36.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $118,022, experienced hygienists can earn up to $160,828.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,540
2025 BLS Actual
$114,230
2026 Current Est.
$118,022
2019–2027 Growth
+243.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,586 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,022 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,941 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Racine, WI grew 221.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,540 in 2019 to $114,230 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $121,941. New graduates entering the Racine job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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 Racine
In Racine, prospective employers who actively seek new graduates include primary care clinics, urgent care facilities, and hospital medicine groups, many of which provide structured onboarding programs. Surgical subspecialties often prefer candidates with additional training through residency or fellowship opportunities. To increase starting compensation, new PAs should strive for credentials such as a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, the NCCPA national certification (PA-C), and a state PA license. It's also beneficial to pursue a DEA registration and optional Certificate of Added Qualifications in various subspecialties. Early in their careers, newly minted PAs should focus on gaining diverse experiences, keeping in mind that their scope of practice is shaped by state regulations and collaboration with supervising physicians. On average, those in surgical roles, particularly in orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery, can expect higher pay due to the billing capabilities associated with first-assist duties. With a strategic approach during the initial years, growth in salary and responsibilities is achievable in this evolving market.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Racine in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Racine?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Racine?
What do new physician assistants make right out of school in Racine?
How do I become a physician assistant in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Racine. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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