Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Waterford, MI: $63.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Waterford, MI runs $63.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,720 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Waterford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,029 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physician assistant hourly pay in Waterford, Michigan, stands at a median of $63.32. This figure is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $67.50, reflecting the area's specific economic conditions and cost of living, which is below the national average at 93.2. For those in part-time positions, such as a 3-day workweek, this hourly rate allows for a sustainable income while also accommodating work-life balance. The hourly range for physician assistants in Waterford varies, with entry-level positions starting around $47.63 and experienced professionals earning as much as $88.57 per hour, enabling diverse employment opportunities across settings like ambulatory clinics, emergency departments, and surgical suites. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the financial prospects for both full-time and locum positions in this essential healthcare role.
About the Waterford 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) | $47.63 | $381.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.75 | $454.03 |
| Median (P50) | $63.32 | $506.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.63 | $613.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.57 | $708.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterford
Based on $63.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.32/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterford, MI can expect to earn approximately $131,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,990. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,532.99 | $10,976 | $131,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,519.80 | $6,586 | $79,029 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,013.20 | $4,391 | $52,686 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Waterford) | $63.32 |
| 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 Waterford, MI earn a median of $131,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.18% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $134,959.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.32/hr = $79,029/year (purchasing power: $84,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,716/year (purchasing power: $141,326).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Waterford grew 21.0% from $50.64/hr (2019) to $61.29/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.43/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 Waterford 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 Waterford
When considering part-time work, a physician assistant working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $78,994 annually based on the current hourly structure, which is substantial when compared to many other career options in the Waterford area. For those contemplating per diem or agency roles, the landscape can be even more lucrative, as locum physician assistants often command hourly rates between $75 and $130, depending on their specialty. Specifically, orthopedic surgical PAs can generate significant daily earnings, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 for operating room coverage, while emergency medicine PAs working 12-hour shifts may expect $900 to $1,400. It's worth noting that hourly rates can differ considerably based on the type of employer, such as hospital systems or specialty practices. Additionally, some physician assistants might opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which is a significant consideration in compensation negotiations. For PA candidates in Waterford, understanding these dynamics of physician assistant hourly pay in MI may enhance their bargaining power, especially when it comes to choosing between W-2 employment and 1099 roles with locum agencies.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Waterford. 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 Waterford 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