Physician Assistant Salary in Apple Valley, MN: $137,576 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Apple Valley, MN earns a median $137,576/year (≈ $66.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $139,671 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apple Valley, Minnesota, the 2026 median annual compensation for physician assistants is projected at $137,576. This figure, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, highlights a salary range that spans from $102,073 at the P10 level to $190,289 for those in the P90 tier. These salary figures reflect the local distinctive traits, particularly the choice between W-2 hospital employment and 1099 surgical practice engagements, which can substantially influence earning potential. Analyzing these dynamics is crucial for physician assistants looking to maximize their financial outcomes in Apple Valley's health care market, where various settings yield different remuneration.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,073 | $49.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $122,236 | $58.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,576 | $66.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,648 | $81.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,289 | $91.49 |
Median Salary Position
2.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, MN, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,216 (2026 est.). At $137,576, the local median is 2.01% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apple Valley Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Apple Valley median: $137,576/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $141,831 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | -2.01% less |
Physician Assistants in Apple Valley, MN earn a median of $137,576 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.01% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 3.00% below the Minnesota state average of $141,831.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apple Valley has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apple Valley, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physician assistant earning $137,576 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $139,671 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,009
2025 BLS Actual
$133,155
2026 Current Est.
$137,576
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,009 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,093 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,413 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,148 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,576 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,143 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $110,009 (2019) to $133,155 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,143 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,134 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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) | $102,073 – $122,236 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $122,236 – $137,576 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,576 – $168,648 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,648 – $190,289 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Apple Valley
The local job market includes 13 physician assistants, indicating a competitive but manageable field. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, salaries afford a favorable purchasing power compared to the national average. Among local employers, surgical specialty practices often offer the highest salaries, particularly in fields like orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, taking advantage of first-assist billing structures. The salary variability stems from factors such as case volumes, call coverage obligations, and productivity bonuses, which are more pronounced in specialty roles than in primary care or urgent care settings. For those looking to enhance their remuneration in Apple Valley, specializing in a high-demand area, pursuing hospital employment, and enhancing productivity metrics can be effective strategies to elevate overall earnings.
More salary data for Apple Valley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Apple Valley, MN in 2026?
Is Apple Valley, MN a good place to work as a physician assistant?
Can physician assistants make $100K in Apple Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physician assistant salary in Apple Valley?
How much does a physician assistant make per hour in Apple Valley?
Related Pages
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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 $133,155 for physician assistantsin the Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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