Physician Assistant Salary in Manteca, CA: $166,438 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Manteca, CA earns a median $166,438/year (≈ $80.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Manteca's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $147,160 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Manteca's 2026 median salary for physician assistants is projected at $166,438, significantly above the national median of $140,391. This salary reflects the robust demand for PAs in both primary care and surgical specialties, which tend to influence earnings. The local salary range varies from $125,660 at the 10th percentile to $233,352 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the financial opportunities available for those specializing in surgical roles. These figures are based on projections derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional living costs. The specialty focus in Manteca leans towards surgical positions, which generally command higher salaries compared to primary care, indicating a competitive job market for physician assistants.
About the Manteca Market
Salary estimated from California average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $125,660 | $60.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $149,509 | $71.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $166,438 | $80.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $201,760 | $97.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,352 | $112.18 |
Median Salary Position
18.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manteca
In Manteca, CA, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,692 (2026 est.). At $166,438, the local median is 18.55% above the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manteca: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manteca Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Manteca median: $166,438/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manteca Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $170,182 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | +18.55% more |
Physician Assistants in Manteca, CA earn a median of $166,438 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 2.20% below the California state average of $170,182.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manteca has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manteca, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $166,438 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,160 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$133,088
2025 BLS Actual
$161,090
2026 Current Est.
$166,438
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Manteca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,088 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,798 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,078 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,389 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,143 | Actual |
| 2024 | $171,379 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $166,438 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $171,964 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manteca metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $133,088 (2019) to $161,090 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $171,964 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,876 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manteca 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) | $125,660 – $149,509 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $149,509 – $166,438 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $166,438 – $201,760 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $201,760 – $233,352 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Manteca
In Manteca, there are currently 13 physician assistants employed, a number reflecting a localized yet significant job presence. The cost of living index in the area is 113.1, implying that housing and general expenses are above the national average, influencing take-home income for PAs. Those looking for higher pay in this market might find hospital systems and surgical practices—particularly in orthopedics and cardiothoracic specialties—among the top employers. Variances in compensation can arise from factors such as case volume and call coverage, as well as differences between hospital employment and private practice structures. To maximize earnings, aspiring physician assistants should consider gaining experience in high-demand specialties and possibly negotiate for productivity bonuses, thereby improving their standing within Manteca's competitive salary landscape. The strategic alignment of specialty training with market needs will be essential for those determining how much do physician assistants make in Manteca.
More salary data for Manteca, CA:
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
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 $161,090 for physician assistantsin the Manteca 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 Manteca 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