Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Passaic, NJ: $76.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Passaic, NJ runs $76.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,301 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Passaic's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,980 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Passaic, NJ, physician assistants earn a median hourly rate of $76.11, which gives them a competitive edge over the national hourly median of $67.50. This rate is especially significant for those working part-time or per diem, as it can cater to a variety of settings including hospitals, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics. For PAs who typically work around three days a week, the hourly pay presents an enticing opportunity for a flexible schedule while maintaining a substantial income. The projected hourly pay range for physician assistants in Passaic varies greatly, from $57.60 for entry-level positions to $109.66 for experienced top earners, reflecting the wide spectrum of responsibilities and expertise in this vital healthcare role. These figures are derived from estimated annual salary data, providing an insight into the financial dynamics of the profession as it stands in 2026.
About the Passaic Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57.60 | $460.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68.47 | $547.76 |
| Median (P50) | $76.11 | $608.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.03 | $752.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.66 | $877.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Passaic
Based on $76.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.11/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Passaic, NJ can expect to earn approximately $158,299 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,327. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Passaic.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Passaic
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,044.22 | $13,192 | $158,299 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,826.53 | $7,915 | $94,980 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,217.69 | $5,277 | $63,320 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Passaic) | $76.11 |
| 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 Passaic, NJ earn a median of $158,301 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $161,696.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.11/hr = $94,980/year (purchasing power: $82,448).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,299/year (purchasing power: $137,413).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$73.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $73.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Passaic grew 21.0% from $60.86/hr (2019) to $73.66/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.63/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 Passaic 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 Passaic
Examining the earning potential for a physician assistant working part-time, a 24-hour work week can yield around $94,899 annually, which still offers a comfortable salary compared to a full-time PA. Per diem physician assistant pay in Passaic can range broadly, with locum tenens positions billing between $75 and $130 per hour, while those specializing in orthopedic surgery may earn between $1,200 and $1,800 a day for operating room coverage. Emergency medicine PAs covering 12-hour shifts have similar lucrative opportunities, with earnings sometimes reaching $1,400 a shift. Variations in hourly rates across employer types are also notable; hospital systems may offer W-2 employment with benefits, whereas surgical practices and urgent care chains might provide higher pay rates in exchange for fewer benefits. This creates a landscape where physician assistants must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates and the security of health insurance. For those navigating hourly negotiations in Passaic, showcasing specialized skills and obtaining credentials from organizations like the NCCPA can be advantageous in securing the best compensation.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Passaic in 2026?
How much do part-time physician assistants make in Passaic?
Are physician assistants in Passaic 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 Passaic. 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 Passaic 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