Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Austin, MN: $179,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Austin, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $179,297/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Austin's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $182,027 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
There is a significant earning potential for experienced physician assistants in Austin, Minnesota, particularly among top-tier professionals. In 2026, those in the 90th percentile can expect salaries reaching as high as $179,297, with the 75th percentile offering a substantial $158,270. When examining Austin's senior physician assistant pay, it becomes clear that the median salary of $134,213 highlights a noticeable experience premium over entry-level roles. Achieving the highest compensation in this market often requires specialized training and years of practical experience, positioning those professionals who can master complex medical procedures and patient management strategies in high demand.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austin
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Austin earn between $158,270 and $179,297 per year (2026 est.). This $82,182 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Austin median of $134,213 sits 4.4% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Austin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,213 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,270 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $179,297 | $196,597 |
In Austin, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 33.59% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Austin
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $134,213 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Austin employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Austin command premium compensation, often reaching the $158,270–$179,297 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Austin 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 Austin 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 Minnesota 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 Austin
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAustin ranks #41 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $179,297).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Austin ($179,297) is 4.91% below the Minnesota average P90 ($188,559).
2019 BLS Actual
$143,294
2025 BLS Actual
$173,536
2026 Current Est.
$179,297
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $143,294 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,173 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,134 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,326 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,908 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,536 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $179,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,250 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Austin saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $143,294 in 2019 to $173,536 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 $185,250 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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 Austin
In Austin, certain specializations significantly impact senior physician assistant pay, with surgical PAs, especially those in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery, earning some of the top salaries in the field. Emergency medicine, critical care, and dermatology also offer attractive compensation packages. Senior compensation can vary depending on the employer type, with hospital systems generally providing structured benefits and stability, while surgical specialty practices and 1099 locum agencies might offer higher pay rates but less job security. To advance within this profession, opportunities abound, such as leadership roles like lead PA or directing residency programs. Holding advanced credentials—like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, a NCCPA certification (PA-C), and state licensure—can also enhance earning potential. Furthermore, non-salary compensation drivers, including call coverage, first-assist case volume, and productivity bonuses, are critical aspects worth considering for professionals aiming for the upper echelons of pay.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Austin in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Austin?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Austin?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Austin?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Austin?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 $173,536 for physician assistants in the Austin 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 Austin 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