Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Billings, MT: $163,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Billings, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $163,773/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Billings's price premium (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $175,110 in average-cost America. The 12% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, seasoned physician assistants in Billings can expect substantial compensation, with a median annual salary of $146,167, placing them notably ahead of the national median of $140,391. Top earners in the area, those in the 90th percentile, can achieve impressive salaries of up to $163,773. The gap between the median and top-tier pay underscores the value of extensive experience, specialized training, and professional advancement. To reach such elevated compensation levels, physician assistants often pursue advanced specialties, enhance their credentials, and assume leadership roles within healthcare settings.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Billings earn between $146,167 and $163,773 per year (2026 est.). This $44,273 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billings median of $146,167 sits 4.11% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Billings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $146,167 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,167 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $163,773 | $196,597 |
In Billings, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 12.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Billings
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $146,167 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billings employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Billings command premium compensation, often reaching the $146,167–$163,773 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billings 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 Billings 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 Montana 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 Billings
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillings ranks #7 of 7 Montana cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $163,773).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Billings ($163,773) is 1.64% below the Montana average P90 ($166,509).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,150
2025 BLS Actual
$158,510
2026 Current Est.
$163,773
2019–2027 Growth
+27.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $147,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $163,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,210 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Billings saw their compensation grow 19.0% from $133,150 in 2019 to $158,510 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 $169,210 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
Compensation for senior physician assistants varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. In Billings, PAs specializing in fields such as orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and hospital medicine are particularly well-compensated. Surgical PAs often enjoy the highest pay due to the nature of their roles, where fees can include first-assist billing. Differences in employer types also influence remuneration; hospital systems typically offer W-2 positions with structured benefits, while practices in competitive specialties may provide lucrative opportunities with performance incentives. Leadership opportunities abound for experienced PAs as well, with pathways leading to roles such as lead PA, residency director, or faculty in PA programs. Securing advanced credentials, including NCCPA certification and state licensure, further enhances earning potential in this competitive market across MT.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Billings in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Billings?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Billings?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Billings?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Billings?
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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 $158,510 for physician assistants in the Billings 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