Physician Assistant Salary in Manhattan, KS: $128,326 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Manhattan, KS earns a median $128,326/year (≈ $61.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Manhattan's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $141,173 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manhattan, Kansas, the physician assistant salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $128,326 in 2026, which is about 8.59% lower than the national median of $140,391. Surgical physician assistants who operate under a first-assist billing model significantly influence the local compensation landscape, leading to a salary range from $91,892 at the 10th percentile to $174,332 at the 90th percentile. These numbers, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic conditions, reflect the competitive nature of Manhattan's healthcare market and the specialization often seen in this field, making it an attractive option for many PAs considering career opportunities in this area.
About the Manhattan Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,892 | $44.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,922 | $53.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,326 | $61.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $152,208 | $73.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,332 | $83.81 |
Median Salary Position
8.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
In Manhattan, KS, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,440 (2026 est.). At $128,326, the local median is 8.59% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manhattan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manhattan Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Manhattan median: $128,326/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manhattan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $127,560 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $140,391 | -8.59% less |
Physician Assistants in Manhattan, KS earn a median of $128,326 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 0.60% above the Kansas state average of $127,560.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manhattan has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manhattan, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A physician assistant earning $128,326 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,173 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,940
2025 BLS Actual
$124,202
2026 Current Est.
$128,326
2019–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,085 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,859 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,202 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,326 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,586 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manhattan metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.8% from $101,940 (2019) to $124,202 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,586 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,646 (30.06%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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) | $91,892 – $111,922 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,922 – $128,326 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,326 – $152,208 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $152,208 – $174,332 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Manhattan
The job market for physician assistants in Manhattan remains stable, with approximately 14 professionals currently employed in the region, which contributes to a balanced competition among job seekers. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, the economic landscape allows for somewhat lower expenses compared to national averages, enhancing the buying power of earnings. Among local employers, surgical specialty practices, particularly in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, provide some of the highest compensation, while emergency departments and urgent care facilities also offer competitive pay structures. Variability in physician assistant salaries is often driven by specialty focus, case volume, and the nature of employment—hospital versus private practice. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Manhattan, KS, focusing on high-demand specialties, seeking employment with robust first-assist opportunities, and negotiating for RVU productivity bonuses can significantly enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
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 $124,202 for physician assistantsin the Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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