Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Santa Rosa, CA: $85.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Santa Rosa, CA runs $85.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $178,485 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Santa Rosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.8, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $107,087 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Rosa, California, the physician assistant hourly pay is projected to be $85.81 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $67.50. This competitive hourly rate is particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem workers, as it makes roles in various healthcare settings like operating rooms, emergency departments, and clinics financially appealing. Hourly rates in Santa Rosa exhibit a broad range; entry-level positions may earn around $44.40, while seasoned professionals can reach the upper end at $111.10. This official BLS data indicates that even part-time positions, commonly ranging from three days a week, can contribute to a solid income stream, making the profession an attractive option for flexibility and high compensation.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.40 | $355.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.70 | $573.63 |
| Median (P50) | $85.81 | $686.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.19 | $865.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.10 | $888.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Rosa
Based on $85.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.81/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Rosa, CA can expect to earn approximately $178,479 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,969. With a cost-of-living index of 107.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Rosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Rosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,432.29 | $14,873 | $178,479 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,059.37 | $8,924 | $107,087 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,372.92 | $5,949 | $71,392 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Santa Rosa) | $85.81 |
| 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 Santa Rosa, CA earn a median of $178,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.13% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 4.80% above the California state average of $170,310.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.81/hr = $107,087/year (purchasing power: $99,354).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $178,479/year (purchasing power: $165,590).
CoL index: 107.784 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Santa Rosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $79.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $77.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $80.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $78.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Santa Rosa grew 28.5% from $64.65/hr (2019) to $83.05/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $88.66/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 Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa
For professionals considering part-time work, those averaging 24 hours a week can take home a notable annual income, although it may not fully replicate the financial benefits of full-time employment. Per diem physician assistant pay in Santa Rosa varies greatly, with locum professionals billing between $75 to $130 hourly, and surgical PAs in orthopedic settings earning up to $1,800 for a full day in the operating room. Hospital systems and surgical practices generally offer W-2 employment with benefits, while positions in urgent care or private practices might favor 1099 contract structures, offering higher pay but less job security. This creates a trade-off for many, as some might opt for lower hourly rates that come with full health benefits while others chase higher hourly pay without benefits. Successful negotiation for hourly roles requires an understanding of these dynamics, so it’s wise to evaluate total compensation packages in Santa Rosa carefully.
More salary data for Santa Rosa, CA:
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
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 Santa Rosa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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