Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $61.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Golden, CO runs $61.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,953 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,773 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $61.52, physician assistants in Golden, Colorado, can expect to earn slightly less than the national median of $67.50 per hour. This rate offers a solid livelihood for both full-time and part-time PAs, particularly those working 24 hours a week, which is common for positions in operating rooms, emergency departments, and urgent care settings. For those who prefer flexibility, the hourly pay reflects a spectrum ranging from $48.47 for entry-level roles to $82.04 for top earners in the field. This estimated hourly rate takes into account various practice settings and specialties, ensuring that those entering the profession have a clear understanding of the earning potential available to them in Golden.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.47 | $387.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.36 | $450.89 |
| Median (P50) | $61.52 | $492.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.04 | $584.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.04 | $656.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $61.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.52/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $127,955 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,820. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,460.67 | $10,663 | $127,955 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,476.40 | $6,398 | $76,773 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.27 | $4,265 | $51,182 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Golden) | $61.52 |
| 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 Golden, CO earn a median of $127,953 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.86% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $139,079.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.52/hr = $76,773/year (purchasing power: $73,117).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,955/year (purchasing power: $121,862).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Golden grew 21.0% from $49.19/hr (2019) to $59.54/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.56/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 Golden 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 Golden
Part-time physician assistants who work three days a week typically take home a stable income, although full-time roles certainly present greater financial rewards. Per diem and locum tenens positions reveal the potential for even higher earnings; for instance, locum PAs can bill between $75 and $130 per hour depending on their specialty, while those covering orthopedic surgery can earn up to $1,800 in a single day. In Golden, pay rates can vary across employers, including hospital systems, specialty practices, and urgent care facilities, due to differing compensation structures. PAs in W-2 positions often receive benefits such as health insurance, which can be an appealing trade-off for a lower hourly rate compared to agency or freelance roles that, while offering higher pay, typically don't include benefits. Engaging in effective negotiation that considers these elements can enhance a PA's earning potential while allowing for a balanced professional and personal life in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape of Golden, CO.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Golden in 2026?
How much do part-time physician assistants make in Golden?
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How much does a full-time physician assistant make per year in Golden?
Do physician assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Golden?
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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 Golden. 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 Golden 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