Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Muskegon, MI: $155,218 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Muskegon, MI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $155,218/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Muskegon's price premium (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $167,769 in average-cost America. The 14% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Muskegon, Michigan, a senior physician assistant can expect to earn competitive salaries that reflect their extensive experience and specialization. For 2026, the median annual salary stands at $136,620, while top earners in the field (P90) can command as much as $155,218. This top-tier compensation highlights the experience premium seen in this role, where those with advanced skills and a solid track record significantly outpace the median. Achieving such salaries often requires a blend of clinical expertise, advanced credentials, and experience in high-demand areas, indicating that dedicated professionals can indeed thrive in Muskegon’s healthcare environment despite a slight 2.69% difference from the national median salary of $140,391.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muskegon
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Muskegon earn between $136,620 and $155,218 per year (2026 est.). This $38,363 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Muskegon median of $136,620 sits 2.69% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Muskegon | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,620 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,620 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $155,218 | $196,597 |
In Muskegon, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 13.61% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Muskegon
Advanced Certifications in Michigan
MI physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $136,620 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Muskegon employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Muskegon command premium compensation, often reaching the $136,620–$155,218 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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 Muskegon
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMuskegon ranks #52 of 53 Michigan cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $155,218).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Muskegon ($155,218) is 6.85% below the Michigan average P90 ($166,628).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,330
2025 BLS Actual
$150,230
2026 Current Est.
$155,218
2019–2027 Growth
+22.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,218 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,371 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Muskegon saw their compensation grow 14.4% from $131,330 in 2019 to $150,230 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 $160,371 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskegon 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 Muskegon
Compensation in Muskegon varies across employer types and medical specializations, with surgical physician assistants particularly well-positioned for superior pay. Specialties like orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and emergency medicine are known to attract higher salaries, reflecting the complex skills and certifications required. At the senior level, those practicing in hospital systems often receive W-2 employment benefits, whereas surgical specialty practices or locum tenens positions frequently offer different structures such as 1099 arrangements, which could enhance immediate earnings but come with their own set of challenges. Furthermore, advanced degrees from ARC-PA accredited programs and the NCCPA national certification mark a major advantage in boosting pay. Leadership opportunities such as becoming a lead PA or contributing to educational roles at PA programs represent pathways for career growth. Factors like call coverage responsibilities, productivity metrics, and first-assist volumes also play significant roles in total compensation for an experienced physician assistant in Muskegon, MI.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Muskegon in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Muskegon?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Muskegon?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Muskegon?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Muskegon?
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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 $150,230 for physician assistants in the Muskegon 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