Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Bryant, AR: $150,764 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Bryant, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $150,764/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Bryant's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $173,491 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the potential annual earnings for senior physician assistants in Bryant, Arkansas, reflect the significant financial advantages of advanced experience in the profession. Those at the top end of the pay scale, representing the 90th percentile, can expect salaries up to $150,764, which highlights a robust gap from the median annual salary of $117,000. This disparity underscores the value placed on specialized skills and extensive experience, emphasizing that reaching such top-tier pay requires dedication to skill development and professional networking within the healthcare community. The projected income levels illustrate that the most lucrative opportunities in Bryant can rival those found in larger markets, although the local environment presents unique challenges and advantages compared to national figures.
About the Bryant Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bryant
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Bryant earn between $135,647 and $150,764 per year (2026 est.). This $63,340 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bryant median of $117,000 sits 16.66% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bryant | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $117,000 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,647 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $150,764 | $196,597 |
In Bryant, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 28.86% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Bryant
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $117,000 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bryant employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Bryant command premium compensation, often reaching the $135,647–$150,764 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bryant 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 Bryant 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 Arkansas 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 Bryant
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBryant ranks #19 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $150,764).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Bryant ($150,764) is 5.21% below the Arkansas average P90 ($159,054).
2019 BLS Actual
$120,490
2025 BLS Actual
$145,919
2026 Current Est.
$150,764
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Bryant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,592 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,241 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,925 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,973 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,516 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,919 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,764 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,769 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Bryant saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $120,490 in 2019 to $145,919 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 $155,769 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bryant 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 Bryant
Compensation for experienced physician assistants varies widely in Bryant based on specialization and employer type. PAs in surgical fields, particularly those involved in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and emergency medicine, often command premium pay due to the complexities and demands of their roles. Employment settings also influence compensation; hospital systems and surgical specialty practices tend to offer more competitive salaries and benefits than primary care or urgent care environments. Moreover, senior-level positions, such as lead PA or positions within academic institutions, can lead to substantial increases in pay and influence within the professional community. Pursuing advanced credentials from accredited programs and obtaining certifications can further enhance earning potential, while non-salary compensation factors, such as RVU productivity bonuses and call coverage provisions, play a critical role in establishing an attractive overall compensation package for senior physician assistants in AR.
More salary data for Bryant, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Bryant in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Bryant?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Bryant?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Bryant?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Bryant?
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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 $145,919 for physician assistants in the Bryant 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 Bryant 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