Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Cambridge, MA: $202,065 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Cambridge, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $202,065/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Cambridge's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $186,235 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, a senior physician assistant can anticipate a median annual salary of $143,624 in 2026. For those at the highest end of the scale, particularly those in the 90th percentile, earnings can soar to an impressive $202,065, while the 75th percentile attracts $173,860. This remarkable salary potential highlights a significant experience premium, especially when considering the median salaries for other locations or disciplines. Navigating advanced roles in high-demand specialties or practice environments is crucial for reaching such top-tier pay in this competitive market. As Cambridge's salary figures outpace the national median of $140,391 by approximately 2.3%, the local landscape offers lucrative opportunities for seasoned professionals ready to excel.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Cambridge earn between $173,860 and $202,065 per year (2026 est.). This $102,424 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cambridge median of $143,624 sits 2.3% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cambridge | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $143,624 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,860 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $202,065 | $196,597 |
In Cambridge, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 40.69% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Cambridge
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $143,624 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cambridge employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Cambridge command premium compensation, often reaching the $173,860–$202,065 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCambridge ranks #34 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $202,065).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Cambridge ($202,065) is 2.19% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($206,596).
2019 BLS Actual
$161,490
2025 BLS Actual
$195,572
2026 Current Est.
$202,065
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $161,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $166,989 | Actual |
| 2021 | $169,198 | Actual |
| 2022 | $172,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $202,697 | Actual |
| 2025 | $195,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $202,065 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $208,774 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Cambridge saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $161,490 in 2019 to $195,572 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 $208,774 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Several factors contribute to the high level of compensation for experienced physician assistants in Cambridge. Notably, specializations such as surgical roles in orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery often command the highest pay, as these positions allow for first-assist billing. Senior physicians may find it beneficial to carve out roles in hospital systems, specialty practices, or urgent care clinics, with each environment presenting unique compensation dynamics. Leadership roles like lead PA or residency director provide further avenues for career advancement and salary increases. To boost their earning potential, professionals can pursue advanced credentials, including a Master's degree from an accredited program, NCCPA certification, and even a Certificate of Added Qualifications in a specific subspecialty. Additionally, non-salary benefits play a role in a senior physician assistant's compensation package, with factors such as call coverage, productivity bonuses, and practice setting being critical to overall job satisfaction and income.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Cambridge in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Cambridge?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Cambridge?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Cambridge?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Cambridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $195,572 for physician assistants in the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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