Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Lincoln, NE: $167,368 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Lincoln, NE — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $167,368/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Lincoln's price premium (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $182,754 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior physician assistants in Lincoln, Nebraska, have significant earning potential, particularly at the top of the salary range. In 2026, professionals in this field can expect a median annual salary of $132,301, with the highest earners, or those falling into the 90th percentile, earning up to $167,368. This figure represents a notable leap from the median, highlighting the experience premium that is often found as PAs advance in their careers. To reach these upper echelons of pay, seasoned PAs not only need robust clinical expertise gained over years, but may also require specialized training and certification. In comparison, the P90 salary of Lincoln's experienced physician assistants is slightly below the national median of $140,391, reflecting the unique market dynamics within Nebraska's healthcare landscape.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lincoln
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Lincoln earn between $140,340 and $167,368 per year (2026 est.). This $70,196 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lincoln median of $132,301 sits 5.76% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lincoln | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $132,301 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,340 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $167,368 | $196,597 |
In Lincoln, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 26.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Lincoln
Advanced Certifications in Nebraska
NE physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $132,301 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lincoln employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Lincoln command premium compensation, often reaching the $140,340–$167,368 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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 Nebraska 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 Lincoln
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLincoln ranks #6 of 13 Nebraska cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $167,368).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Lincoln ($167,368) is 2.6% below the Nebraska average P90 ($171,835).
2019 BLS Actual
$165,720
2025 BLS Actual
$161,990
2026 Current Est.
$167,368
2019–2027 Growth
+4.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $165,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,368 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,925 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Lincoln saw their compensation grow -2.3% from $165,720 in 2019 to $161,990 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 $172,925 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Compensation for experienced physician assistants in Lincoln can vary significantly based on their area of specialization and the type of employer. Surgical PAs, particularly those involved in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, or neurosurgery, tend to command some of the highest salaries, reflecting their critical role in first-assist procedures and complex cases. Hospital systems tend to offer structured employment packages, which often include benefits and predictable salaries, while specialty practices and urgent care settings may provide more lucrative pay structures, especially for PAs with a high case volume or those on a 1099 arrangement. Senior-level roles such as lead PA or faculty positions at PA programs can also influence pay, creating pathways for advancement and leadership that may enhance overall compensation. To further increase earning potential, PAs in Lincoln can pursue various advanced credentials—like the NCCPA national certification and additional qualifications in subspecialties—which not only validate expertise but also enhance marketability in a competitive field.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Lincoln in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Lincoln?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Lincoln?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Lincoln?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Lincoln?
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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 $161,990 for physician assistants in the Lincoln 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