Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Goodyear, AZ: $198,555 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Goodyear, AZ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $198,555/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Goodyear's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $201,579 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Goodyear, Arizona, the top potential earnings for senior physician assistants are quite compelling, with the projected 2026 figures indicating a maximum salary of $198,555 at the 90th percentile. This figure represents not only the pinnacle of compensation in the local market but also reflects how experienced professionals can leverage their skills and expertise to earn substantially more than the median annual salary of $137,905. The gap between these figures illustrates the significant experience premium available to those with over seven years in the field, underscoring the importance of specialization, continuous professional development, and strategic career moves in reaching such notable salary levels. For PAs to climb to the top tier in Goodyear's salary ranks, they typically need a combination of advanced education, such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, and practical experience in high-demand specialties.
About the Goodyear Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goodyear
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Goodyear earn between $165,040 and $198,555 per year (2026 est.). This $101,868 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Goodyear median of $137,905 sits 1.77% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Goodyear | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $137,905 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,040 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $198,555 | $196,597 |
In Goodyear, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 43.98% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Goodyear
Advanced Certifications in Arizona
AZ physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $137,905 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Goodyear employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Goodyear command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,040–$198,555 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Goodyear metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Goodyear with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in Arizona who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physician Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Goodyear
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGoodyear ranks #8 of 33 Arizona cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $198,555).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Goodyear ($198,555) is 7.64% above the Arizona average P90 ($184,462).
2019 BLS Actual
$158,685
2025 BLS Actual
$192,175
2026 Current Est.
$198,555
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Goodyear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $158,685 | Actual |
| 2020 | $164,088 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $169,794 | Actual |
| 2023 | $172,491 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,699 | Actual |
| 2025 | $192,175 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $198,555 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $205,147 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Goodyear saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $158,685 in 2019 to $192,175 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $205,147 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goodyear 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.
Maximizing Your Physician Assistant Earnings in Goodyear
Specializations play a vital role in determining senior physician assistant pay in Goodyear, with fields like surgical orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and emergency medicine often commanding the highest compensation. The employer type significantly influences wage variations as well. Those working in hospital systems typically find themselves on a W-2 employment structure, while PAs engaged in specialized surgical practices or urgent care may be compensated differently, often under 1099 arrangements. Furthermore, leadership pathways, such as becoming a lead PA or guiding PA education programs, can also elevate earning potential. Advanced credentials, such as the NCCPA national certification or additional qualifications in subspecialties, enhance marketability and, consequently, income. Non-salary benefits, including productivity bonuses and call coverage arrangements, further contribute to the overall compensation package for seasoned professionals, defining what top physician assistant salary Goodyear truly entails in a competitive environment.
More salary data for Goodyear, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Goodyear in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Goodyear?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Goodyear?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Goodyear?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Goodyear?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $192,175 for physician assistants in the Goodyear metro area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Goodyear 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