Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $59.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Independence, KY runs $59.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,632 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, the physician assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $59.80 by 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.50 per hour. This difference is particularly significant for part-time and per-diem workers, many of whom may opt for flexible schedules in settings like operating rooms, emergency departments, or ambulatory clinics. As the hourly pay ranges from $45.09 for entry-level positions to $81.73 for top earners, those working three days a week could expect to take home a substantial income without committing to a full-time schedule. The data used to estimate these hourly rates comes from annual salary figures, reflecting the broader scope of compensation trends in the area.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.09 | $360.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.47 | $427.74 |
| Median (P50) | $59.80 | $478.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.64 | $573.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.73 | $653.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $59.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.80/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $124,387 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,762. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,392.06 | $10,366 | $124,387 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,435.24 | $6,219 | $74,632 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $956.83 | $4,146 | $49,755 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Independence) | $59.80 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $124,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $125,380.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.80/hr = $74,632/year (purchasing power: $83,575).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,387/year (purchasing power: $139,292).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Independence grew 21.0% from $47.82/hr (2019) to $57.88/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.79/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 Independence 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 Independence
For those exploring part-time opportunities, working as a physician assistant for 24 hours a week can lead to annual earnings significantly less than full-time wages. While full-time positions may typically command higher totals, per diem or locum opportunities can present lucrative options. Locum physician assistants, for instance, can bill between $75 and $130 per hour, and surgical roles may bring in $1,200 to $1,800 per day, particularly in orthopedics or emergency medicine shifts, which commonly earn $900 to $1,400 for a 12-hour coverage. The hourly rates for physician assistants in Independence can also vary based on the employer type, with hospitals typically offering W-2 positions and specialty practices providing different compensation structures. More established benefits may come at the cost of lower hourly rates, prompting many assistants to negotiate for better pay when foregoing health insurance or other perks. Understanding local compensation dynamics is key for success in this evolving field.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time physician assistants make in Independence?
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Career Resources
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 Independence. 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 Independence 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