Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $59.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Bristol, VA runs $59.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,182 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,503 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physician assistant hourly pay in Bristol, Virginia, stands at $59.70, which lags behind the national median of $67.50. This hourly rate can provide significant financial stability, particularly for those working part-time or in per-diem roles across various healthcare settings such as hospitals, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics. For instance, a part-time physician assistant working three days a week could earn a substantial income while enjoying flexible hours. The professional landscape in Bristol offers a wide hourly range from $46.48 for entry-level positions up to $78.96 for the highest earners, reflecting the demand and specialization within this profession. These rates are derived from estimated annual salaries and underline the opportunities for those entering the field.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.48 | $371.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.24 | $433.94 |
| Median (P50) | $59.70 | $477.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.52 | $564.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.96 | $631.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $59.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.70/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $124,172 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,638. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,387.93 | $10,348 | $124,172 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,432.76 | $6,209 | $74,503 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $955.17 | $4,139 | $49,669 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Bristol) | $59.70 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $124,182 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.55% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 4.90% below the Virginia state average of $130,581.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.70/hr = $74,503/year (purchasing power: $72,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,172/year (purchasing power: $120,322).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Bristol grew 21.0% from $47.74/hr (2019) to $57.78/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.68/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
The earning potential for part-time physician assistants in Bristol can be quite favorable, as someone working 24 hours a week might take home around $74,397 annually compared to a full-time wage. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, the reality is even more lucrative, with locum PAs billing anywhere from $75 to $130 per hour based on specialty. Surgical PAs, especially in orthopedics, can command hefty fees, with daily rates often surpassing $1,200. Different employer types, including hospital systems and specialty practices, can influence pay scales; for example, emergency departments may offer higher hourly pay for flexible shifts. However, many PAs must weigh the trade-off between higher pay without benefits and the stability of a lower hourly rate that includes health insurance. Negotiation strategies tailored to Bristol’s market, including understanding regional needs and supply, can be advantageous for maximizing compensation.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time physician assistants make in Bristol?
Are physician assistants in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physician assistant make per year in Bristol?
Do physician assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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