Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Stockton, CA: $80.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Stockton, CA runs $80.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $167,492 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Stockton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.1, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $100,498 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Stockton, California, the projected median hourly pay for physician assistants in 2026 is $80.53, significantly higher than the national median of $67.50. This notable difference reflects the region's demand for healthcare professionals, allowing those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, to achieve substantial earnings while balancing other commitments. The broad hourly pay range—from $60.43 at the entry-level (P10) to $101.56 for the top 10% of earners (P90)—also indicates that opportunities abound across various employment settings, including operating rooms, emergency departments, and urgent care clinics. With 150 physician assistants currently employed in the area, this data sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS, projected to 2026, illustrates the attractive landscape for PAs in Stockton.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60.43 | $483.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67.52 | $540.16 |
| Median (P50) | $80.53 | $644.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.85 | $806.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.56 | $812.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stockton
Based on $80.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.53/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stockton, CA can expect to earn approximately $167,497 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,633. With a cost-of-living index of 105.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stockton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stockton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,221.10 | $13,958 | $167,497 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,932.66 | $8,375 | $100,498 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,288.44 | $5,583 | $66,999 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Stockton) | $80.53 |
| 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 Stockton, CA earn a median of $167,492 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.30% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 1.60% below the California state average of $170,216.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.53/hr = $100,498/year (purchasing power: $95,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $167,497/year (purchasing power: $159,386).
CoL index: 105.089 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Stockton grew 34.6% from $57.90/hr (2019) to $77.94/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.20/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 Stockton 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 Stockton
When considering the part-time earning potential as a per diem physician assistant in Stockton, those working a typical three-day week can still see significant income. A 24-hour weekly schedule equates to about $100,000 annually before taxes, showcasing how flexible roles can meet both professional and personal needs. For those exploring per-diem opportunities, hourly rates can vary widely based on specialization, with orthopedic surgical PAs earning rates that range from $75 to $130, while coverage for high-demand areas like emergency medicine could pay upwards of $900-$1,400 for a 12-hour shift. As they assess employment options, PAs must also weigh benefits and pay structures; for instance, working as a W-2 employee in healthcare systems might provide health insurance, contrasting with the allure of higher hourly rates often seen with 1099 locum positions. Negotiating rates effectively requires a deep understanding of local market demands and potential employer perks, making it essential for physician assistants in Stockton to consider not just the hourly rate but the complete compensation package offered.
More salary data for Stockton, 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 Stockton. 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