Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Pittsfield, MA: $169,341 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Pittsfield, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,341/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Pittsfield's price premium (BEA RPP 95.1, 5% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $178,055 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the potential for experienced physician assistants to earn top-tier salaries is considerable, with 2026 projections indicating a striking figure of $169,341 at the 90th percentile. This figure exceeds the national top earners' mark, establishing Pittsfield as a competitive locale for seasoned PAs. Professional growth within this sector can see a significant gap between the median annual salary of $142,189 and the top ranges, evidencing the value and demand for expertise in advanced medical practices. Attaining such elevated compensation typically requires not only extensive clinical experience—generally over seven years—but also the pursuit of niches within high-specialty areas and continuous professional development. For those looking to reach those upper echelons of pay in Pittsfield, strategic choices in education and specialization are essential.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pittsfield
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Pittsfield earn between $168,670 and $169,341 per year (2026 est.). This $55,193 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pittsfield median of $142,189 sits 1.28% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Pittsfield | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $142,189 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,670 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,341 | $196,597 |
In Pittsfield, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 19.10% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Pittsfield
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $142,189 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pittsfield employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Pittsfield command premium compensation, often reaching the $168,670–$169,341 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPittsfield ranks #59 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $169,341).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Pittsfield ($169,341) is 18.03% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($206,596).
2019 BLS Actual
$158,350
2025 BLS Actual
$163,900
2026 Current Est.
$169,341
2019–2027 Growth
+10.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Pittsfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $158,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $157,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,341 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $174,964 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Pittsfield saw their compensation grow 3.5% from $158,350 in 2019 to $163,900 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 $174,964 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield
Specializations play a critical role in determining senior physician assistant pay in MA, particularly within areas like surgical PA roles in orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery. Emergency medicine, critical care, and interventional cardiology are also notable sectors where experienced professionals can command premium compensation. The type of employer significantly influences earnings at this level; hospital systems typically offer W-2 structures with stable benefits, whereas surgical specialty practices and locum tenens agencies may lead to variable pay based on production and case volume. Furthermore, advanced credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA certification (PA-C), and state licensure can also enhance earning potential. Leadership positions available, including chief PA roles and PA program faculty positions, complement direct salary benefits through potential bonuses linked to RVU productivity, call coverage, and individual case volume, further making the career path lucrative for those who advance strategically in Pittsfield.
More salary data for Pittsfield, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Pittsfield in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Pittsfield?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Pittsfield?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Pittsfield?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Pittsfield?
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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 $163,900 for physician assistants in the Pittsfield 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, 7-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