Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Alhambra, CA: $80.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Alhambra, CA runs $80.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,760 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Alhambra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,653 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alhambra, California, the physician assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $80.65, considerably above the national hourly median of $67.50. This favorable rate provides robust opportunities for those seeking part-time or per diem work, which is common in settings such as hospitals, urgent care clinics, and surgery centers. With entry-level positions earning around $61.91 and experienced professionals reaching toward the top of the scale at $114.34, the diverse work environment in Alhambra allows for flexibility and substantial earning potential. Ultimately, the hourly compensation reflects the high demand for physician assistants in various clinical settings throughout the area, making it an appealing option for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers looking to establish their careers.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61.91 | $495.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73.21 | $585.70 |
| Median (P50) | $80.65 | $645.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.46 | $763.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.34 | $914.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alhambra
Based on $80.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.65/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alhambra, CA can expect to earn approximately $167,755 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,782. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alhambra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alhambra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,226.06 | $13,980 | $167,755 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,935.64 | $8,388 | $100,653 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,290.43 | $5,592 | $67,102 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Alhambra) | $80.65 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.20 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Family Medicine Physician (National Avg) | $116.45 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.18 |
Physician Assistants in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $167,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.49% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 1.50% below the California state average of $170,314.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.65/hr = $100,653/year (purchasing power: $88,995).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,755/year (purchasing power: $148,325).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $69.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Alhambra grew 21.0% from $64.49/hr (2019) to $78.06/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.33/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physician assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra 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.
Working as an Hourly Physician Assistant in Alhambra
Exploring the financial landscape for physician assistants in Alhambra reveals a clear distinction between part-time and full-time earnings. For a PA working just three days a week, clocking in 24 hours, annual take-home pay can amount to over $100,000, which is substantial for a part-time role. Conversely, locum PAs working on a per diem basis can expect to earn between $75 and $130 per hour, depending on their specialization, with orthopedic surgical assistants occasionally earning a daily rate between $1,200 and $1,800 for operating room coverage. Various employer types influence hourly rates, with hospital systems typically providing W-2 positions that include benefits, while surgical specialty practices and urgent care facilities might offer higher pay as 1099 contractors. Balancing hourly pay against benefits is a common consideration for many PAs, as some prioritize health coverage over higher hourly wages. For those negotiating their pay in Alhambra, being aware of these nuances can foster more informed discussions regarding compensation packages tailored to their needs.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Alhambra in 2026?
How much do part-time physician assistants make in Alhambra?
Are physician assistants in Alhambra paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physician assistant make per year in Alhambra?
Do physician assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Alhambra?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physician assistants in Alhambra. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alhambra 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