Physician Assistant Salary in Dublin, CA: $172,290 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Dublin, CA earns a median $172,290/year (≈ $82.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Dublin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $152,334 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Physician assistants (PAs) in Dublin, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $172,290 in 2026. This local compensation surpasses the national median, reflecting a robust job market where salaries range from $125,866 at the lower end to $236,292 at the top percentile. The figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living factors. The choice between a W-2 hospital employment model and a 1099 surgical practice can significantly influence earning potential. With a limited pool of 14 employed physician assistants in the area, competition for high-paying roles, particularly in specialties that demand advanced skills, is shaping Dublin's professional landscape.
About the Dublin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $125,866 | $60.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $147,835 | $71.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $172,290 | $82.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,696 | $98.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $236,292 | $113.60 |
Median Salary Position
22.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dublin
In Dublin, CA, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,426 (2026 est.). At $172,290, the local median is 22.72% above the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dublin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dublin Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Dublin median: $172,290/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dublin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $170,247 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $140,391 | +22.72% more |
Physician Assistants in Dublin, CA earn a median of $172,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.72% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 1.20% above the California state average of $170,247.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dublin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dublin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $172,290 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,334 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$137,767
2025 BLS Actual
$166,754
2026 Current Est.
$172,290
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Dublin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,767 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,608 | Actual |
| 2021 | $149,143 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,641 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,563 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,405 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,754 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,290 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,010 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dublin metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $137,767 (2019) to $166,754 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $178,010 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,243 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dublin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $125,866 – $147,835 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $147,835 – $172,290 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $172,290 – $205,696 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,696 – $236,292 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Dublin
While the salary for physician assistants in Dublin CA is notable, the local cost of living index of 113.1 suggests that financial considerations extend beyond base pay. This elevated cost impacts purchasing power, making it essential for PAs here to seek out lucrative positions. Surgical specialty practices, especially in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, typically offer the most competitive compensation, often tied to billing for first-assist roles. Additionally, factors such as case volume, the structure of call coverage, and incentive-based pay through RVU productivity bonuses play a significant role in income variability. To maximize earnings in Dublin, PAs may consider strategies like specializing in in-demand areas, negotiating compensation packages that reflect their expertise, and exploring supplemental income through locum tenens opportunities, particularly in facilities with high patient throughput.
More salary data for Dublin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Dublin, CA in 2026?
Is Dublin, CA a good place to work as a physician assistant?
Can physician assistants make $100K in Dublin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physician assistant salary in Dublin?
How much does a physician assistant make per hour in Dublin?
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $166,754 for physician assistantsin the Dublin metropolitan area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dublin 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