Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Jackson, MS: $164,578 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Jackson, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $164,578/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Jackson's price premium (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $184,819 in average-cost America. The 56% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
For seasoned physician assistants in Jackson, Mississippi, the financial landscape reflects both their advanced expertise and pivotal contributions in healthcare. In 2026, estimates show that top earners can expect a salary reaching up to $164,578, while the 75th percentile earns around $128,499. This distinctly highlights a significant experience premium in the market, considering the median annual salary for experienced physician assistants is projected at $105,211. Such figures indicate that climbing to top-tier pay is not solely based on years of practice, but also hinges on specializations and positions held within healthcare settings. Thus, those aiming for the highest compensation should seek advanced roles and consider obtaining specialized credentials that enable them to command premier salaries in Jackson.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Jackson earn between $128,499 and $164,578 per year (2026 est.). This $120,729 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jackson median of $105,211 sits 25.06% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Jackson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $105,211 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,499 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $164,578 | $196,597 |
In Jackson, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 56.43% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Jackson
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $105,211 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jackson employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Jackson command premium compensation, often reaching the $128,499–$164,578 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Mississippi 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 Jackson
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJackson ranks #4 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $164,578).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Jackson ($164,578) is 0.23% below the Mississippi average P90 ($164,953).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,531
2025 BLS Actual
$159,290
2026 Current Est.
$164,578
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,531 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,578 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,042 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Jackson saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $131,531 in 2019 to $159,290 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 $170,042 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Compensation for senior physician assistants in Jackson varies significantly across different sectors, with some specializations commanding particularly high pay, including surgical disciplines like orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery, in addition to emergency medicine and critical care. These areas often provide higher salaries, with hospital systems typically offering W-2 employment structures that include benefits, while surgical specialty practices and 1099 locum agencies can provide more flexible, albeit potentially less stable, opportunities. Career advancement paths such as becoming a lead PA, surgical first assist coordinator, or even taking on leadership roles within professional organizations can also lead to greater financial rewards. Moreover, obtaining advanced qualifications like a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, national certification from NCCPA, and achieving a Certificate of Added Qualifications in a specific specialty can significantly elevate earning potential in this market. Non-salary compensation elements, such as RVU productivity bonuses and specialty-related pay differences, further contribute to the total financial picture for those in the top tiers of the profession.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Jackson in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Jackson?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Jackson?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Jackson?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Jackson?
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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 $159,290 for physician assistants in the Jackson 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, 6-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