Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $81.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $81.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,852 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,311 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected physician assistant hourly pay in Rancho Cordova, CA, is $81.18, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $67.50. This rate reflects robust earning potential, especially for those working part-time or as per diem staff in various settings, including operating rooms, emergency departments, and ambulatory clinics. Entry-level physician assistants typically earn around $56.65 per hour, while top earners in this region can see rates as high as $115.94. Such hourly pay offers an appealing choice for those considering flexible work arrangements and allows individuals to navigate their schedules while still capitalizing on the vibrant healthcare environment in Rancho Cordova.
About the Rancho Cordova 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) | $56.65 | $453.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74.32 | $594.54 |
| Median (P50) | $81.18 | $649.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.83 | $774.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.94 | $927.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova
Based on $81.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.18/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $168,851 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,414. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,247.14 | $14,071 | $168,851 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,948.28 | $8,443 | $101,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,298.86 | $5,628 | $67,541 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Rancho Cordova) | $81.18 |
| 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 Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $168,852 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.27% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 0.80% below the California state average of $170,213.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.18/hr = $101,311/year (purchasing power: $89,576).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,851/year (purchasing power: $149,294).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Rancho Cordova grew 21.0% from $64.91/hr (2019) to $78.57/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.87/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 Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova
For those opting for part-time work, a physician assistant on a 3-day workweek, totaling roughly 24 hours, can make a substantial annual income that may still allow for a balanced lifestyle compared to a full-time role. Many per diem physician assistants in Rancho Cordova find opportunities through locum tenens agencies or specialty practices, with rates ranging from $75 to $130 per hour depending on their specialization. In high-demand areas like orthopedic surgery or emergency medicine, PAs can earn impressive daily rates of $1,200 to $1,800 or between $900 and $1,400 for 12-hour shifts. It's crucial to recognize how hourly rates may fluctuate based on the employer type; hospitals generally provide structured W-2 positions while specialty practices may favor a 1099 arrangement that offers higher hourly rates but fewer benefits. PAs should weigh the trade-offs of benefits like healthcare against potential higher pay from specialized roles or agency work. Negotiating effectively in Rancho Cordova involves understanding market trends and using data-backed arguments to secure favorable hourly wages.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Rancho Cordova in 2026?
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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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova 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