Physician Assistant Salary in McDonough, GA: $121,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in McDonough, GA earns a median $121,660/year (≈ $58.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in McDonough's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $130,677 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McDonough, Georgia, the landscape of physician assistant pay reflects a diverse clinical environment where employment structure significantly impacts earnings. With a projected median annual salary of $121,660 for 2026, physician assistants in this area earn below the national median, which stands at $140,391. The local salary range stretches from $95,931 at the lower end to $166,607 at the high end, indicating variation in compensation based on factors such as specialty and employment type. These estimates derive from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the importance of local market conditions. Physician assistants seeking opportunities here must consider whether to pursue positions within established hospital systems, which typically offer W-2 employment structures, or opt for more flexible yet variable 1099 settings prevalent in surgical practices.
About the McDonough Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,931 | $46.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,876 | $53.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,660 | $58.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,754 | $68.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,607 | $80.10 |
Median Salary Position
13.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McDonough
In McDonough, GA, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,676 (2026 est.). At $121,660, the local median is 13.34% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McDonough: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McDonough Physician Assistant Pay Compares
McDonough median: $121,660/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McDonough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $126,204 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | -13.34% less |
Physician Assistants in McDonough, GA earn a median of $121,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.34% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $126,204.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McDonough has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McDonough, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A physician assistant earning $121,660 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $130,677 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,282
2025 BLS Actual
$117,751
2026 Current Est.
$121,660
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in McDonough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,282 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,316 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,198 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,673 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,699 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McDonough metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $97,282 (2019) to $117,751 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,699 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,417 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McDonough 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) | $95,931 – $111,876 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,876 – $121,660 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,660 – $141,754 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,754 – $166,607 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in McDonough
The job market for physician assistants in McDonough is modest, with only seven currently employed in the area. This limited supply, coupled with a cost of living index of 93.1, suggests that physician assistants can enjoy reasonable purchasing power relative to the broader national averages. Among local employers, hospital systems generally provide the most competitive compensation, especially for roles that demand high surgical case volume and involve RVU productivity bonuses. Positions at urgent care facilities and primary care offices typically offer less competitive pay. Low versus high pay rates within this market hinge on factors such as specialty choices, call coverage responsibilities, and the balance between hospital employment versus private practice. To maximize earnings, PAs in McDonough should consider further training in surgical procedures and engaging in practices that enhance first-assist case involvement, making strategic career choices that align with growing specialties in the local healthcare ecosystem.
More salary data for McDonough, GA:
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 $117,751 for physician assistantsin the McDonough 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 McDonough 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