Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Lawrence, IN: $174,927 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Lawrence, IN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $174,927/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $191,596 in average-cost America. The 39% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving a top-tier salary as an experienced physician assistant in Lawrence, IN, is not only feasible but can also prove to be highly rewarding. The projected 2026 figure for the top 10% of earners in this field reaches an impressive $174,927. Senior professionals with over seven years of experience can expect a median annual salary of $125,573, demonstrating a significant gap between average earners and those at the pinnacle of their profession. To secure such a lucrative position, PAs typically need to specialize in high-demand fields, gain advanced credentials, and possibly take on leadership roles, all of which enhance their value in a competitive market.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $152,451 and $174,927 per year (2026 est.). This $77,436 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $125,573 sits 10.55% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $125,573 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,451 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $174,927 | $196,597 |
In Lawrence, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 39.30% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Indiana
IN physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $125,573 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $152,451–$174,927 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Indiana 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 Lawrence
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #21 of 43 Indiana cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $174,927).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Lawrence ($174,927) is 7.01% below the Indiana average P90 ($188,112).
2019 BLS Actual
$139,801
2025 BLS Actual
$169,306
2026 Current Est.
$174,927
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,801 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,561 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,474 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,964 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,267 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,306 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,927 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,735 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $139,801 in 2019 to $169,306 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 $180,735 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Focusing on specializations, surgical physician assistants—particularly those in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery—command exceptionally high salaries due to the complexities and demands of their roles. In addition, opportunities in emergency medicine, dermatology, and critical care also offer competitive pay, often influenced by the type of employer. For instance, those working in hospital systems may find different compensation structures compared to surgical specialty practices or urgent care centers. Advancement paths such as becoming a lead PA or taking on educational roles provide further avenues for income growth. Moreover, obtaining credentials like a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or national certification from the NCCPA can significantly elevate one's earning potential in Lawrence. Non-salary benefits, including bonuses for case volume or RVU productivity, also play a role in the overall compensation package for senior physician assistants in the region.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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 $169,306 for physician assistants in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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