Physician Assistant Salary in Lexington, MA: $146,013 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Lexington, MA earns a median $146,013/year (≈ $70.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $134,574 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physician assistants in Lexington, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $146,013, which reflects an upward trend compared to the national median of $140,391. The salary range for PAs working in the area spans from $112,878 at the 10th percentile to as high as $198,392 for those at the 90th percentile. These projections are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. The local job market here is characterized by the choice between W-2 positions within hospitals and 1099 contracts in surgical practices. This structural difference has implications for both job security and income potential, influencing how physician assistants navigate their career paths in Lexington.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,878 | $54.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $133,061 | $63.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $146,013 | $70.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,215 | $83.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,392 | $95.39 |
Median Salary Position
4.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, MA, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,514 (2026 est.). At $146,013, the local median is 4% above the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lexington Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Lexington median: $146,013/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $152,574 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | +4.00% more |
Physician Assistants in Lexington, MA earn a median of $146,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.00% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 4.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $152,574.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $146,013 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,574 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,755
2025 BLS Actual
$141,321
2026 Current Est.
$146,013
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,011 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,396 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,056 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,226 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,321 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,013 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,860 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $116,755 (2019) to $141,321 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $150,860 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,105 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $112,878 – $133,061 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $133,061 – $146,013 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $146,013 – $174,215 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,215 – $198,392 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Lexington
With only six physician assistants currently employed in Lexington, the local job market reflects a competitive landscape. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that expenses are above the national average, which affects overall purchasing power and necessitates a higher salary to maintain a similar lifestyle. The highest pay in the area typically comes from specialized surgical practices, particularly in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, where PAs often serve as first assistants. Factors such as case volume, call coverage, and RVU productivity bonuses contribute to the pay spread seen in the region. For those looking to maximize their earnings, it is advisable to pursue opportunities in surgical specialties or negotiate performance-based bonuses, as these avenues historically provide better compensation compared to primary care or urgent care roles in Lexington MA.
More salary data for Lexington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Lexington, MA in 2026?
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Can physician assistants make $100K in Lexington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physician assistant salary in Lexington?
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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 $141,321 for physician assistantsin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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