Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Greeley, CO: $165,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Greeley, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $165,560/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Greeley's price premium (BEA RPP 100.2, 0% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $165,269 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Greeley, Colorado, experienced physician assistants can expect to see substantial earning potential, particularly among top-tier professionals. The 2026 projected annual salary for the highest earners (P90) is $165,560, while the P75 tier offers a robust $146,735. This signifies a notable experience premium when compared to Greeley's median annual salary of $139,017. To achieve such elevated compensation, a PA must typically have over seven years of experience, showcasing specialized skills and expertise that demand higher remuneration. Continuous professional development, including advanced training and specialization, can significantly enhance one’s earning capabilities in this competitive market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greeley
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Greeley earn between $146,735 and $165,560 per year (2026 est.). This $59,440 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Greeley median of $139,017 sits 0.98% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Greeley | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $139,017 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,735 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $165,560 | $196,597 |
In Greeley, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 19.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Greeley
Advanced Certifications in Colorado
CO physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $139,017 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Greeley employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Greeley command premium compensation, often reaching the $146,735–$165,560 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Greeley 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 Greeley 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 Colorado 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 Greeley
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreeley ranks #32 of 33 Colorado cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $165,560).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Greeley ($165,560) is 7.87% below the Colorado average P90 ($179,710).
2019 BLS Actual
$128,470
2025 BLS Actual
$160,240
2026 Current Est.
$165,560
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Greeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $161,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $169,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $160,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $171,057 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Greeley saw their compensation grow 24.7% from $128,470 in 2019 to $160,240 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 $171,057 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greeley 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 Greeley
When evaluating senior physician assistant pay in Colorado, it's crucial to pinpoint the specialties that command the highest wages. Areas such as surgical assistance in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery typically see salaries rise significantly above the median due to the complexity of procedures and high demand. Employer types also contribute to variations in compensation; for instance, hospital systems often offer W-2 positions with benefits, while surgical practices and locum agencies provide different pay structures, including 1099 contracts that may favor higher immediate compensation. Furthermore, advancing one's career into leadership roles—such as a lead PA or program faculty—can position a PA for enhanced financial rewards. Holding advanced credentials, like a Master's degree from an accredited program, NCCPA certification, and possibly a Certificate of Added Qualifications, can also provide leverage for salary negotiation. Non-salary compensation factors—such as RVU productivity bonuses and first-assist case volumes—are vital considerations for maximizing overall earnings in senior positions throughout Greeley and beyond.
More salary data for Greeley, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Greeley in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Greeley?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Greeley?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Greeley?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Greeley?
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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 $160,240 for physician assistants in the Greeley 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, 7-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