Physician Assistant Salary in Sanford, FL: $134,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Sanford, FL earns a median $134,014/year (≈ $64.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Sanford's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $132,950 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physician assistants in Sanford, Florida can expect a median annual salary of $134,014, which is slightly below the national median of $140,391. The compensation range for local PAs varies significantly, with salaries starting at $96,823 for the lowest earners and reaching up to $183,133 for those at the top of the pay scale. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost differences, reflect the effect of various factors on PA compensation. The first-assist billing model used in surgical settings significantly boosts earnings potential, particularly for surgical physician assistants, making this market attractive for those in specialized practices.
About the Sanford Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,823 | $46.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,528 | $56.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,014 | $64.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,599 | $76.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $183,133 | $88.05 |
Median Salary Position
4.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sanford
In Sanford, FL, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,310 (2026 est.). At $134,014, the local median is 4.54% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sanford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sanford Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Sanford median: $134,014/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sanford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $131,258 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $140,391 | -4.54% less |
Physician Assistants in Sanford, FL earn a median of $134,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 2.10% above the Florida state average of $131,258.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sanford has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sanford, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,014 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $132,950 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,161
2025 BLS Actual
$129,708
2026 Current Est.
$134,014
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,161 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,149 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,114 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,708 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,464 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sanford metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $107,161 (2019) to $129,708 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,464 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,303 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sanford 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) | $96,823 – $117,528 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,528 – $134,014 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,014 – $159,599 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,599 – $183,133 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Sanford
Sanford's job market currently employs 16 physician assistants, which indicates a relatively small but focused employment sector. The cost-of-living index in the area is at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which influences take-home purchasing power. Those looking to maximize their compensation might find higher salaries in hospital systems or surgical specialty practices like orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, where the nature of the work allows for lucrative billing opportunities. The wide pay range can be attributed to specialty distinctions, case volume for first-assist roles, and differing employment structures between hospital staff positions and private practice or locum tenens arrangements. To enhance earning potential, aspiring PAs should consider targeting surgical specialties and negotiating RVU productivity bonuses that can significantly affect overall income.
More salary data for Sanford, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physician assistants make $100K in Sanford?
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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 $129,708 for physician assistantsin the Sanford 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 Sanford 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