Senior Physician Assistant Salary in St. Paul, MN: $224,832 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in St. Paul, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $224,832/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back St. Paul's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $228,256 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Paul, Minnesota, the compensation landscape for experienced physician assistants reflects a notable potential for high earnings. By 2026, top-tier professionals can expect to see salaries soaring to $224,832, with median annual salaries at $148,341. When compared to the national top earner average, which hovers around $140,391, St. Paul's P90 marks an impressive advancement in earning potential. This gap between median pay and top earnings highlights the rewarding nature of the PA role, particularly for those who specialize and refine their skills over time. Achieving such significant compensation often requires a combination of advanced certifications, extensive experience, and specialization in high-demand areas like surgical assistance or emergency medicine.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($130,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Paul
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in St. Paul earn between $178,922 and $224,832 per year (2026 est.). This $118,186 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The St. Paul median of $148,341 sits 5.66% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | St. Paul | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $148,341 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,922 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $224,832 | $196,597 |
In St. Paul, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 51.56% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in St. Paul
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $148,341 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by St. Paul employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in St. Paul command premium compensation, often reaching the $178,922–$224,832 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSt. Paul ranks #1 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $224,832).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in St. Paul ($224,832) is 19.24% above the Minnesota average P90 ($188,559).
2019 BLS Actual
$179,685
2025 BLS Actual
$217,607
2026 Current Est.
$224,832
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $179,685 | Actual |
| 2020 | $185,803 | Actual |
| 2021 | $188,262 | Actual |
| 2022 | $192,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $195,318 | Actual |
| 2024 | $197,111 | Actual |
| 2025 | $217,607 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $224,832 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $232,296 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in St. Paul saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $179,685 in 2019 to $217,607 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 $232,296 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul 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 St. Paul
Beyond just salary figures, the depth of specialization can substantially influence senior physician assistant pay in MN. Certain specialties command higher compensation; surgical physician assistants, particularly in orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, are among the most lucrative roles, often benefiting from first-assist billing. Compensation also varies widely depending on the employer; those in hospital systems typically receive W-2 benefits while surgical practices may offer distinct agreements. Leadership roles are increasingly becoming realistic pathways for seasoned PAs, with options to take on responsibilities such as a surgical first assist coordinator or hospital chief PA. Additionally, advanced qualifications, like obtaining a Certificate of Added Qualifications in subspecialties, can further enhance earnings. As the demand for highly specialized physician assistants grows, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for professionals aiming to maximize their career potential in St. Paul.
More salary data for St. Paul, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in St. Paul in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in St. Paul?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in St. Paul?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in St. Paul?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in St. Paul?
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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 $217,607 for physician assistants in the St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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