Senior Physician Assistant Salary in La Mirada, CA: $225,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in La Mirada, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $225,335/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back La Mirada's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $199,235 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the competitive environment of La Mirada, California, the potential for top-tier compensation in the physician assistant field is particularly promising for seasoned professionals. With a median annual salary projected at $169,166 for 2026, experienced physician assistants can earn significantly more; specifically, the top earners (P90) are expected to reach an impressive $225,335. This disparity highlights the financial rewards associated with a wealth of experience and specialization. Advanced clinical skills often serve as a catalyst for this level of income, signaling to employers the value of hiring highly experienced individuals who can autonomously manage complex patient care scenarios. To climb the salary ladder in La Mirada’s healthcare landscape, one must typically amass over seven years of hands-on experience and, often, pursue additional credentials and specialized training.
About the La Mirada Market
Salary estimated from California average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Mirada
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in La Mirada earn between $203,119 and $225,335 per year (2026 est.). This $97,504 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The La Mirada median of $169,166 sits 20.5% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | La Mirada | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $169,166 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $203,119 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $225,335 | $196,597 |
In La Mirada, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 33.20% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in La Mirada
Advanced Certifications in California
CA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $169,166 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by La Mirada employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in La Mirada command premium compensation, often reaching the $203,119–$225,335 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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 California 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 La Mirada
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLa Mirada ranks #140 of 158 California cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $225,335).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in La Mirada ($225,335) is 5.37% below the California average P90 ($238,110).
2019 BLS Actual
$180,087
2025 BLS Actual
$218,094
2026 Current Est.
$225,335
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in La Mirada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $180,087 | Actual |
| 2020 | $186,219 | Actual |
| 2021 | $188,683 | Actual |
| 2022 | $192,695 | Actual |
| 2023 | $195,755 | Actual |
| 2024 | $226,432 | Actual |
| 2025 | $218,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $225,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $232,816 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in La Mirada saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $180,087 in 2019 to $218,094 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 $232,816 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Mirada 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 La Mirada
In La Mirada, a variety of specializations are driving premium pay for physician assistants at the senior level. Fields such as surgical assistance in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery frequently offer higher compensation compared to roles in primary care. Compensation varies notably depending on the type of employer; for example, hospital systems often provide W-2 employment benefits, while surgical specialty practices and 1099 locum agencies might offer variable income that can significantly exceed base salaries, particularly for those taking first assist roles in high-demand areas. Additionally, those aiming for leadership positions, such as chief PA or PA program faculty, can see substantial pay increases as they transition into roles that influence clinical practices. To enhance earning potential within the industry, obtaining a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or earning certifications like the NCCPA's PA-C designation and additional qualifications in subspecialties can lead to better opportunities and higher pay in California’s healthcare market. Other factors, such as RVU productivity bonuses and call coverage stipends, may also supplement base salaries for experienced physician assistants, further contributing to their overall compensation.
More salary data for La Mirada, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in La Mirada in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in La Mirada?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in La Mirada?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in La Mirada?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in La Mirada?
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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 $218,094 for physician assistants in the La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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