Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Hot Springs, AR: $164,361 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Hot Springs, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $164,361/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Hot Springs's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $191,719 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Achieving high earnings as a physician assistant in Hot Springs, Arkansas, necessitates a strategic approach to career development and specialization. With a median annual salary reaching $126,794 in 2026, experienced physician assistants can access a wealth of opportunities that significantly escalate their pay, reaching up to $164,361 for top earners. This potential for a substantial salary increase illustrates a marked difference between the median and the upper echelon of compensation. Attaining this top-tier salary often involves pursuing additional training, certifications, or advanced degrees, making specializations in high-demand areas essential for maximizing earning potential. For those who are able to bridge the gap through clinical expertise and leadership roles, the reward is not just in numbers but also in the reputation built within the healthcare community.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hot Springs
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hot Springs earn between $138,676 and $164,361 per year (2026 est.). This $66,848 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hot Springs median of $126,794 sits 9.69% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hot Springs | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $126,794 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,676 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $164,361 | $196,597 |
In Hot Springs, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 29.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Hot Springs
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $126,794 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hot Springs employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Hot Springs command premium compensation, often reaching the $138,676–$164,361 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHot Springs ranks #12 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $164,361).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Hot Springs ($164,361) is 3.34% above the Arkansas average P90 ($159,054).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,357
2025 BLS Actual
$159,080
2026 Current Est.
$164,361
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,357 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,627 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,148 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,361 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,818 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Hot Springs saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $131,357 in 2019 to $159,080 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 $169,818 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs
Across various healthcare settings, the demand for specialized skills can dramatically influence senior physician assistant pay in AR. Surgical PAs specializing in orthopedics, neurosurgery, or emergency medicine can expect higher compensation compared to those in primary care settings. Employers such as hospital systems and specialty surgical practices usually offer different compensation structures, with salary variability stemming from factors such as case volume and call coverage responsibilities. Additionally, advancing into leadership roles—such as chief PA or PA residency director—opens doors to higher income while enhancing professional standing. Credentials play a significant role too; those with a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA certification, and relevant specialty certificates are well-positioned to command premium pay. The diversification in compensation packages, including RVU productivity bonuses and employment structures, further emphasizes the merit of specialization in shaping a fulfilling career in Hot Springs.
More salary data for Hot Springs, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Hot Springs in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Hot Springs?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Hot Springs?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Hot Springs?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Hot Springs?
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
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 $159,080 for physician assistants in the Hot Springs 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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