Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Pomona, CA: $246,654 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Pomona, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $246,654/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Pomona's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $218,085 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pomona, California, seasoned physician assistants can expect to earn a median annual salary of $175,991 in 2026, with the potential to reach the upper echelons of earnings as indicated by the P90 figure of $246,654. This earning potential marks a significant increase compared to the national top earners, creating an attractive prospect for those in this advanced stage of their careers. The experience premium in Pomona's market is illustrated by the striking gap between the median and the highest salaries; achieving such elevated pay typically requires not only extensive clinical expertise but also specialization and advanced certifications. To reach the top-tier pay in this landscape, physician assistants must hone their skills in high-demand areas and be willing to adopt leadership roles within their practicing institutions.
About the Pomona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pomona
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Pomona earn between $212,478 and $246,654 per year (2026 est.). This $120,958 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pomona median of $175,991 sits 25.36% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Pomona | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $175,991 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $212,478 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $246,654 | $196,597 |
In Pomona, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 40.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Pomona
Advanced Certifications in California
CA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $175,991 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pomona employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Pomona command premium compensation, often reaching the $212,478–$246,654 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pomona 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 Pomona 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 Pomona
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPomona ranks #34 of 158 California cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $246,654).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Pomona ($246,654) is 3.59% above the California average P90 ($238,110).
2019 BLS Actual
$197,125
2025 BLS Actual
$238,728
2026 Current Est.
$246,654
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $197,125 | Actual |
| 2020 | $203,837 | Actual |
| 2021 | $206,535 | Actual |
| 2022 | $210,926 | Actual |
| 2023 | $214,276 | Actual |
| 2024 | $247,857 | Actual |
| 2025 | $238,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $246,654 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $254,843 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Pomona saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $197,125 in 2019 to $238,728 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 $254,843 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pomona 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 Pomona
Compensation dynamics for experienced physician assistants in Pomona reveal that certain specializations lead to notably higher compensation levels. For instance, those practicing in surgical fields, particularly orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery, typically command premiums that are significantly higher than their primary care counterparts. Senior physician assistants working within hospital systems, surgical specialty practices, or emergency medicine generally enjoy distinct pay structures compared to those in 1099 arrangements at locum agencies or urgent care chains. Advancement opportunities abound for experienced PAs, including roles such as lead PA or PA program faculty, enhanced by additional credentials that can influentially impact salary—like a master’s from ARC-PA accredited programs or a Certificate of Added Qualifications. Moreover, non-salary elements such as first-assist case volume, call coverage commitments, and productivity-based bonuses can significantly enrich the total compensation package, reinforcing the value of strategic career moves in this field as one navigates the intricate factors influencing senior physician assistant pay in CA.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Pomona in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Pomona?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Pomona?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Pomona?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Pomona?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $238,728 for physician assistants in the Pomona 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 Pomona 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