Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in East Lansing, MI: $63.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in East Lansing, MI runs $63.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against East Lansing's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,823 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Lansing, MI, physician assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $63.16, which is notably lower than the national median of $67.50. This hourly rate translates well for those in part-time positions, such as a three-day workweek, maximizing their take-home pay while still providing flexibility. The range in hourly compensation spans from $49.58 at the lower end for entry-level PAs to $88.63 for those in top-tier positions. This pay scale reflects the variety of practice settings found in the region, including surgery suites, emergency departments, and ambulatory clinics, where the demand for skilled physician assistants is high. The figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, demonstrating that opportunities for PAs are varied and potentially lucrative in East Lansing.
About the East Lansing Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.58 | $396.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.92 | $463.37 |
| Median (P50) | $63.16 | $505.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.34 | $586.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.63 | $709.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Lansing
Based on $63.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.16/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Lansing, MI can expect to earn approximately $131,372 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,791. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Lansing.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Lansing
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,526.38 | $10,948 | $131,372 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,515.83 | $6,569 | $78,823 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,010.55 | $4,379 | $52,549 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (East Lansing) | $63.16 |
| 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 East Lansing, MI earn a median of $131,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.43% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 2.70% below the Michigan state average of $135,015.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.16/hr = $78,823/year (purchasing power: $84,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,372/year (purchasing power: $140,957).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in East Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in East Lansing grew 21.0% from $50.50/hr (2019) to $61.13/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.26/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 East Lansing 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 East Lansing
When considering the income potential for part-time and per diem work, it is important to analyze the real earning possibilities. A physician assistant working a 24-hour week could potentially earn significantly less annually than a full-time counterpart, but they enjoy the freedom of a flexible schedule. For those opting to work as locum or per diem, rates can vary dramatically; specialty PAs may be able to charge between $75 and $130 an hour, with surgical PAs earning daily rates of $1,200 to $1,800 for operating room coverage. Employers in East Lansing range from hospital systems to specialty practices, with each type offering different benefits and pay structures. While some may accept lower hourly rates for the stability of health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly wages despite lacking comprehensive benefits. Negotiation skills are essential for maximizing pay, and understanding market value is critical for securing a favorable rate in this evolving job market.
More salary data for East Lansing, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in East Lansing in 2026?
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Are physician assistants in East Lansing paid hourly or salary?
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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 East Lansing. 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 East Lansing 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