Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $176,084 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Marshalltown, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $176,084/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Marshalltown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $194,783 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Marshalltown offers an attractive salary range for experienced physician assistants, particularly for those achieving top-tier positions. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $130,760, but high-performing professionals can earn as much as $176,084 at the 90th percentile. This significant gap between the median figure and the top earnings illustrates the potential rewards for those who specialize and excel in their careers. Attaining this higher level of compensation in Marshalltown typically requires advanced clinical skills, a deeper specialization, and possibly leadership responsibilities, such as overseeing other PAs or engaging in directorial roles. For those focused on maximizing their earning potential, strategic career movements and gaining pivotal certifications can enhance both salary and job satisfaction.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Marshalltown earn between $155,447 and $176,084 per year (2026 est.). This $75,515 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marshalltown median of $130,760 sits 6.86% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Marshalltown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $130,760 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,447 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $176,084 | $196,597 |
In Marshalltown, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 34.66% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Marshalltown
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $130,760 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marshalltown employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Marshalltown command premium compensation, often reaching the $155,447–$176,084 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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 Iowa 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 Marshalltown
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarshalltown ranks #15 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $176,084).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Marshalltown ($176,084) is 6.09% below the Iowa average P90 ($187,495).
2019 BLS Actual
$140,726
2025 BLS Actual
$170,426
2026 Current Est.
$176,084
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,726 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,518 | Actual |
| 2021 | $147,443 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,578 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,426 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,084 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $181,930 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Marshalltown saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $140,726 in 2019 to $170,426 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 $181,930 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Compensation for senior physician assistants varies significantly based on several factors, including specialization and workplace type. In Marshalltown, areas of focus such as surgical assistance in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery tend to command the highest salaries, reflecting the premium on skills that allow PAs to bill for first-assist services. Hospitals and surgical specialty practices generally offer more structured salary packages compared to private practices or 1099 locum positions, which may provide variable pay structures linked to productivity and case volume. Career advancement options are robust, with pathways leading to roles like surgical first assist coordinator or PA residency director, which can lead to even greater earnings and professional fulfillment. Moreover, acquiring credentials like a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and remaining NCCPA certified provides significant leverage in salary negotiations. The dynamic salary elements and advanced certifications underscore the importance of strategic planning for any senior physician assistant aiming to thrive in the competitive market of IA.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Marshalltown in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Marshalltown?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Marshalltown?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Marshalltown?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Marshalltown?
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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 $170,426 for physician assistants in the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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