Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Valdosta, GA: $59.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Valdosta, GA runs $59.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Valdosta's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,748 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valdosta, Georgia, the physician assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $59.89 by 2026, considerably lower than the national median of $67.50. This figure reflects the local demand for PAs and the cost of living, which hovers below the national average. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the earnings could accumulate to a substantial income without the full-time commitment. The hourly range covers entry-level positions starting around $46.12 up to seasoned professionals earning as much as $84.95. The role of a physician assistant can vary significantly across settings like operating rooms, emergency departments, and ambulatory clinics, making the hourly pay a crucial element for both continuous shifts and per-diem opportunities.
About the Valdosta Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.12 | $368.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.48 | $435.85 |
| Median (P50) | $59.89 | $479.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.38 | $587.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.95 | $679.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valdosta
Based on $59.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.89/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valdosta, GA can expect to earn approximately $124,581 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,874. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valdosta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valdosta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,395.78 | $10,382 | $124,581 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,437.47 | $6,229 | $74,748 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $958.31 | $4,153 | $49,832 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Valdosta) | $59.89 |
| 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 Valdosta, GA earn a median of $124,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.26% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 1.30% below the Georgia state average of $126,220.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.89/hr = $74,748/year (purchasing power: $80,288).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,581/year (purchasing power: $133,814).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$64.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-3.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Valdosta grew -9.8% from $64.30/hr (2019) to $57.97/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.88/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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta
For a physician assistant engaged in part-time work, taking home an annual salary significantly varies compared to full-time PAs. If a PA works 24 hours per week, expected earnings can align well with the local cost of living, offering flexibility that full-time roles may not. Moreover, per diem physician assistants in Valdosta have the potential to earn more on a sessional basis, with some locum PAs billing between $75 and $130 per hour depending on their specialty. In contrast, those specializing in orthopedic surgery may command daily coverage rates ranging from $1,200 to $1,800, illustrating the higher earning potential for critical roles. Compensation in Valdosta can also vary by employment type, where hospital systems typically offer W-2 positions with benefits compared to 1099 roles at locum agencies that provide higher hourly rates but no health insurance. Consequently, PAs must weigh the benefits of security against the possibility of earning more in flexible work settings, adopting negotiation strategies that reflect the regional market dynamics.
More salary data for Valdosta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Valdosta in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Valdosta. 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 Valdosta 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