Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Moline, IL: $190,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Moline, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $190,975/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Moline's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $196,679 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For experienced physician assistants in Moline, IL, the earning potential peaks significantly with a median annual salary of $144,498 projected for 2026. The salary range illustrates the impressive financial landscape, where the top 10% of earners (P90) can expect compensation up to $190,975, while the 75th percentile likely earns around $172,257. This disparity underscores the experience premium, as advanced practice and specialization greatly influence remuneration in the market. Achieving top-tier pay typically requires extensive experience, particularly in high-demand specialties and roles that involve advanced procedural skills, such as first assisting in surgery or leading clinical teams.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Moline earn between $172,257 and $190,975 per year (2026 est.). This $83,825 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moline median of $144,498 sits 2.93% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Moline | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $144,498 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,257 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $190,975 | $196,597 |
In Moline, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 32.16% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Moline
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $144,498 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moline employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Moline command premium compensation, often reaching the $172,257–$190,975 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moline 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 Moline 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 Illinois 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 Moline
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoline ranks #14 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $190,975).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Moline ($190,975) is 11.06% above the Illinois average P90 ($171,955).
2019 BLS Actual
$152,626
2025 BLS Actual
$184,838
2026 Current Est.
$190,975
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,626 | Actual |
| 2020 | $157,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $159,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,312 | Actual |
| 2023 | $165,905 | Actual |
| 2024 | $154,511 | Actual |
| 2025 | $184,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,315 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Moline saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $152,626 in 2019 to $184,838 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 $197,315 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
To thrive in Moline's competitive environment, senior physician assistants can explore lucrative specialties that command premium pay, including surgical positions in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery, along with roles in emergency medicine and critical care. Compensation can vary greatly depending on the employer; hospitals generally offer W-2 employment, while surgical practices and urgent care settings may embrace different payment structures. Advancement opportunities abound, allowing seasoned PAs to transition into leadership roles or academic positions, enhancing their income through responsibilities that leverage their expertise. In Illinois, additional credentials can also pave the way for higher compensation, including a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and specialized certifications. Non-salary compensation factors, such as first-assist case volume and bonuses tied to productivity, further influence total earnings, helping experienced physician assistants in Moline capitalize on their substantial market potential.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Moline in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Moline?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Moline?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Moline?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Moline?
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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 $184,838 for physician assistants in the Moline 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 Moline 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