Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Richmond, IN: $169,748 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Richmond, IN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,748/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Richmond's price premium (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $185,923 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 2026, the experienced physician assistant salary in Richmond, IN, presents lucrative opportunities for well-established professionals. With the potential to earn as much as $169,748 annually, senior PAs positioned in top-tier roles can significantly benefit from their years of expertise. The 2026 median salary for seasoned physician assistants stands at $127,732, highlighting a robust gap between median and top earners which emphasizes the experience premium available in the market. Achieving such elevated compensation typically requires specialization, advanced certifications, and an established network within the healthcare community, thereby solidifying a PA’s status as a leading candidate for high-level roles.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Richmond earn between $150,085 and $169,748 per year (2026 est.). This $78,081 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Richmond median of $127,732 sits 9.02% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Richmond | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $127,732 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,085 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,748 | $196,597 |
In Richmond, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 32.89% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Richmond
Advanced Certifications in Indiana
IN physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $127,732 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Richmond employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Richmond command premium compensation, often reaching the $150,085–$169,748 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRichmond ranks #35 of 43 Indiana cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $169,748).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Richmond ($169,748) is 9.76% below the Indiana average P90 ($188,112).
2019 BLS Actual
$135,662
2025 BLS Actual
$164,293
2026 Current Est.
$169,748
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,662 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,281 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,137 | Actual |
| 2022 | $145,159 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,465 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,293 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,748 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,383 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Richmond saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $135,662 in 2019 to $164,293 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 $175,383 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
Market dynamics in Richmond reveal that certain specializations can command premium pay. Notably, surgical physician assistants—particularly in fields such as orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and emergency medicine—often secure higher salaries than those in primary care. Compensation can also vary depending on the employer; hospital systems typically provide W-2 employment with benefits, whereas specialty surgical practices and urgent care clinics may offer competitive compensation structures that include RVU productivity bonuses. Advancing within the profession is attainable for senior PAs, with leadership roles such as chief PA or faculty positions in PA programs being viable paths. Enhanced credentials, including a Master's degree from an accredited program and NCCPA certification, boost earning potential significantly in Richmond. Finally, factors like first-assist case volume and call coverage provisions play critical roles in total compensation, influencing how senior physician assistants strategize their career moves in a changing healthcare environment.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Richmond in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Richmond?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Richmond?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Richmond?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Richmond?
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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 $164,293 for physician assistants in the Richmond 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 Richmond 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