Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Potomac, MD: $71.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Potomac, MD runs $71.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,815 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Potomac's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $65.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,293 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Potomac, Maryland, the physician assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $71.55, outpacing the national hourly median of $67.50. This difference reflects the cost of living and competitive landscape for healthcare professionals in the region. For those working part-time at an average of three days a week, the hourly rate translates to a substantial income, especially in settings such as operating rooms, hospital floors, and urgent care facilities. The hourly range for physician assistants in Potomac spans from $51.16 for entry-level positions to $98.84 for top earners, indicating robust opportunities across different specialization areas. It's essential to note that these hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salary data and can significantly impact the financial planning of both full-time and per diem physician assistants in Potomac.
About the Potomac Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51.16 | $409.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.33 | $530.65 |
| Median (P50) | $71.55 | $572.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.51 | $692.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.84 | $790.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Potomac
Based on $71.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.55/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Potomac, MD can expect to earn approximately $148,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,859. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Potomac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Potomac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,861.96 | $12,402 | $148,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,717.18 | $7,441 | $89,293 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,144.79 | $4,961 | $59,529 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Potomac) | $71.55 |
| 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 Potomac, MD earn a median of $148,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.00% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 3.00% below the Maryland state average of $153,417.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.55/hr = $89,293/year (purchasing power: $81,696).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,822/year (purchasing power: $136,159).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Potomac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Potomac grew 21.0% from $57.21/hr (2019) to $69.25/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.92/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 Potomac 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 Potomac
Regarding earnings potential, a physician assistant working part-time at 24 hours a week could see significant annual take-home pay compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem physician assistant pay in Potomac offers flexibility, with rates for locum roles ranging typically between $75-$130 per hour, while surgical specialties like orthopedics can earn $1,200-$1,800 per day for operating room coverage. Variability exists across employer types in Potomac; positions in hospital systems tend to provide stability and benefits, whereas surgical specialty practices or urgent care centers might offer higher hourly pay with fewer benefits. This creates a trade-off where some PAs choose lower hourly wages for comprehensive health insurance packages. For those seeking to negotiate hourly rates, understanding the market and highlighting specific skills or certifications can be advantageous, particularly given the ongoing shift towards Optimal Team Practice in many states.
More salary data for Potomac, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Potomac in 2026?
How much do part-time physician assistants make in Potomac?
Are physician assistants in Potomac paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physician assistant make per year in Potomac?
Do physician assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Potomac?
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 Potomac. 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 Potomac 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