Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Amherst Town, MA: $174,322 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Amherst Town, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $174,322/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Amherst Town's price premium (BEA RPP 100.2, 0% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $173,899 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Amherst Town, Massachusetts, the senior physician assistant pay reflects the significant premium associated with experience and specialization. The top earners in this field can expect to earn approximately $174,322 in 2026, positioning them above many national counterparts, which have a P90 salary of $140,391. With a median annual salary of $139,337, the gap between median pay and top earners highlights the lucrative potential for seasoned professionals. Achieving top-tier compensation typically involves focusing on high-demand specializations, obtaining advanced credentials, and building a robust clinical reputation that can command premium wages.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst Town
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Amherst Town earn between $170,984 and $174,322 per year (2026 est.). This $71,188 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Amherst Town median of $139,337 sits 0.75% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Amherst Town | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $139,337 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,984 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $174,322 | $196,597 |
In Amherst Town, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 25.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Amherst Town
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $139,337 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Amherst Town employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Amherst Town command premium compensation, often reaching the $170,984–$174,322 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Amherst Town 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 Amherst Town 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 Massachusetts 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 Amherst Town
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAmherst Town ranks #57 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $174,322).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Amherst Town ($174,322) is 15.62% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($206,596).
2019 BLS Actual
$139,317
2025 BLS Actual
$168,720
2026 Current Est.
$174,322
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Amherst Town (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $139,317 | Actual |
| 2020 | $144,061 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,967 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,071 | Actual |
| 2023 | $151,438 | Actual |
| 2024 | $192,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,322 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,109 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Amherst Town saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $139,317 in 2019 to $168,720 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 $180,109 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst Town 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 Amherst Town
Analyzing the various factors influencing salaries for experienced physician assistants in Amherst Town reveals distinct trends. Surgical physician assistants, particularly those specializing in areas like orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, often command the highest compensation, capitalizing on their ability to participate in first-assist roles. Compensation structures also vary depending on the type of employer, with those in hospital systems often receiving W-2 compensation, while independent practices and urgent care settings may offer different financial arrangements, including 1099 structures. To elevate their earning potential, senior PAs can pursue leadership positions such as chief PA or PA program faculty, alongside acquiring advanced certifications such as a Certificate of Added Qualifications. The overall employment environment emphasizes a blend of non-salary factors—such as call coverage, procedural volume, and the structure of compensation tied to the specific setting—ultimately shaping the financial landscape for experienced physician assistants in MA.
More salary data for Amherst Town, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Amherst Town in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Amherst Town?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Amherst Town?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Amherst Town?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Amherst Town?
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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 $168,720 for physician assistants in the Amherst Town 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, 2-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