Physician Assistant Salary in Murfreesboro, TN: $130,972 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Murfreesboro, TN earns a median $130,972/year (≈ $62.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Murfreesboro's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $142,671 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murfreesboro, TN, the 2026 projected median salary for physician assistants hits $130,972, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $140,391. Local salaries range from $95,876 at the 10th percentile to a high of $185,910 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability based on specialty and setting. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs, highlight the salary gradient in the area. Notably, those working in surgical specialties, such as orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, can expect to command higher pay compared to those in primary care roles. This trend presents an enticing opportunity for new graduates and current PAs contemplating their career trajectories in this growing market.
About the Murfreesboro Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,876 | $46.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $115,681 | $55.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,972 | $62.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,417 | $78.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,910 | $89.38 |
Median Salary Position
6.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murfreesboro
In Murfreesboro, TN, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,034 (2026 est.). At $130,972, the local median is 6.71% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murfreesboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murfreesboro Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Murfreesboro median: $130,972/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murfreesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $121,382 | +7.90% more |
| National Average | $140,391 | -6.71% less |
Physician Assistants in Murfreesboro, TN earn a median of $130,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.71% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 7.90% above the Tennessee state average of $121,382.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murfreesboro has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murfreesboro, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A physician assistant earning $130,972 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,671 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,728
2025 BLS Actual
$126,763
2026 Current Est.
$130,972
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Murfreesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,728 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,648 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,376 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,555 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,296 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,469 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,763 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,972 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,320 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murfreesboro metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $104,728 (2019) to $126,763 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,320 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,592 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murfreesboro 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) | $95,876 – $115,681 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $115,681 – $130,972 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,972 – $162,417 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,417 – $185,910 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Murfreesboro
Local employment opportunities for physician assistants are robust, with 29 professionals currently practicing in the area. The cost of living index in Murfreesboro stands at 91.8, which indicates that the take-home pay for PAs can stretch further compared to national averages. Employers that tend to offer higher compensation include hospital systems, surgical specialty practices, and emergency departments. The disparity in pay often comes down to the specialty, with surgical roles generally yielding better financial rewards due to case volume and potential for RVU productivity bonuses. For PAs looking to maximize their earnings in Murfreesboro, engaging with surgical first-assist roles or considering permanent positions in hospital systems rather than 1099 locum opportunities can be advantageous. Insight into local hiring trends and networking within these specialty areas can further enhance job prospects and salary potential.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, TN:
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 $126,763 for physician assistantsin the Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro 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