Physician Assistant Salary in Branson, MO: $130,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Branson, MO earns a median $130,320/year (≈ $62.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Branson's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $145,446 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Branson, Missouri, the projected median annual physician assistant salary for 2026 is $130,320, reflecting a competitive position within the healthcare market, although it falls below the national median of $140,391. Surgical physician assistants often benefit significantly from the first-assist billing model, which allows them to earn higher compensations compared to their counterparts in primary care settings. The local compensation spectrum ranges from $104,352 at the 10th percentile to $172,024 at the 90th percentile, providing a clear indicator of the earning potential for PAs in this picturesque city. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price differences, illustrating Branson’s unique economic landscape for healthcare professionals.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,352 | $50.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $120,924 | $58.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,320 | $62.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,334 | $73.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,024 | $82.71 |
Median Salary Position
7.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Branson
In Branson, MO, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,672 (2026 est.). At $130,320, the local median is 7.17% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Branson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Branson Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Branson median: $130,320/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Branson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $140,279 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | -7.17% less |
Physician Assistants in Branson, MO earn a median of $130,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.17% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $140,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Branson has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Branson, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A physician assistant earning $130,320 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,446 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,206
2025 BLS Actual
$126,132
2026 Current Est.
$130,320
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,206 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,112 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,811 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,251 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,132 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,646 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Branson metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $104,206 (2019) to $126,132 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,646 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,440 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Branson 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) | $104,352 – $120,924 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $120,924 – $130,320 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,320 – $153,334 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,334 – $172,024 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Branson
Despite having only four physician assistants currently practicing in the Branson area, the local job market presents opportunities shaped by the region's cost of living, which stands at 89.6—significantly below the national average. This lower cost of living enhances the take-home purchasing power of physician assistants, making positions more appealing despite average salaries that trail the national numbers. Among potential employers, surgical specialty clinics, particularly in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, tend to offer higher salaries. The disparity between lower and higher pay is influenced by specialty focus, case volume, and the employment model—whether as a W-2 employee in a hospital or as a contractor in a private practice. Maximizing earning potential in Branson may involve targeting surgical roles or positions that offer productivity bonuses tied to work volume. Understanding the local market dynamics and specialty demands can equip aspiring physician assistants with strategies to achieve their financial goals.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
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 $126,132 for physician assistantsin the Branson 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 Branson 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