Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Bay City, MI: $178,565 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Bay City, MI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $178,565/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Bay City's price premium (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $191,593 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 Bay City, Michigan, experienced physician assistants can anticipate lucrative earning potential, particularly at the senior level where top-tier salaries reach $178,565 in 2026. With a median annual salary of $133,992, this data reflects a compelling gap that underscores the reward for seasoned professionals who advance their careers. The state's P90 rank primarily aligns well with national figures, although it falls slightly behind the national median of $140,391. Achieving the highest levels of compensation in Bay City often requires a blend of specialized skills, leadership roles, or certifications that validate professional expertise, ultimately distinguishing top earners within this competitive field.
About the Bay City Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bay City
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Bay City earn between $157,743 and $178,565 per year (2026 est.). This $77,385 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bay City median of $133,992 sits 4.56% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bay City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $133,992 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,743 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $178,565 | $196,597 |
In Bay City, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 33.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Bay City
Advanced Certifications in Michigan
MI physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $133,992 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bay City employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Bay City command premium compensation, often reaching the $157,743–$178,565 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bay City 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 Bay City 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 Michigan 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 Bay City
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBay City ranks #31 of 53 Michigan cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $178,565).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Bay City ($178,565) is 7.16% above the Michigan average P90 ($166,628).
2019 BLS Actual
$142,709
2025 BLS Actual
$172,827
2026 Current Est.
$178,565
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Bay City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,709 | Actual |
| 2020 | $147,568 | Actual |
| 2021 | $149,521 | Actual |
| 2022 | $152,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,125 | Actual |
| 2024 | $146,798 | Actual |
| 2025 | $172,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,565 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,493 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Bay City saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $142,709 in 2019 to $172,827 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 $184,493 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bay City 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 Bay City
When evaluating the factors that contribute to senior physician assistant pay in MI, specialties such as surgical orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and emergency medicine frequently command premium salaries. The type of employer also influences compensation; positions within hospital systems typically offer predictable W-2 tax structures, while specialty surgical practices and urgent care facilities may provide varying financial arrangements. As experienced physician assistants seek to enhance their careers further, paths to leadership as a lead PA or PA residency director could open opportunities for increased earnings. Attaining advanced credentials, such as a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA certification, can also significantly enhance one’s marketability and salary potential. Non-salary compensation elements, including bonuses tied to case volume and RVUs, add layers of potential income that seasoned PAs should consider in their career planning.
More salary data for Bay City, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Bay City in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Bay City?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Bay City?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Bay City?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Bay City?
Related Pages
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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 $172,827 for physician assistants in the Bay City 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 Bay City 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