Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Scottsbluff, NE: $158,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Scottsbluff, NE — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $158,629/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Scottsbluff's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $173,365 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an experienced physician assistant in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, has the potential to earn a top-tier salary, with the 90th percentile reaching as high as $158,629. This notable figure exemplifies how senior physician assistant pay in NE can vary significantly, particularly compared to the national average of $140,391. With a median annual salary of $123,276 for this role, there is a considerable gap to the peak earnings indicative of the experience premium in this market. Achieving such top-tier compensation typically requires at least seven years of practice, specialization in high-demand areas, and the willingness to continuously develop clinical and leadership skills.
About the Scottsbluff Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scottsbluff
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Scottsbluff earn between $142,511 and $158,629 per year (2026 est.). This $66,917 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Scottsbluff median of $123,276 sits 12.19% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Scottsbluff | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $123,276 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,511 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $158,629 | $196,597 |
In Scottsbluff, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 28.68% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Scottsbluff
Advanced Certifications in Nebraska
NE physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $123,276 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Scottsbluff employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Scottsbluff command premium compensation, often reaching the $142,511–$158,629 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedScottsbluff ranks #9 of 13 Nebraska cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $158,629).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Scottsbluff ($158,629) is 7.69% below the Nebraska average P90 ($171,835).
2019 BLS Actual
$126,776
2025 BLS Actual
$153,532
2026 Current Est.
$158,629
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Scottsbluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,776 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,093 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,652 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,806 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,106 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,532 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $158,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,896 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Scottsbluff saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $126,776 in 2019 to $153,532 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 $163,896 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff
Delving into the specifics, several specializations command premium salaries in Scottsbluff, including surgical physician assistants focused on orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as those in emergency medicine and critical care. Compensation can vary based on employer type—hospitals often offer W-2 positions with full benefits, while private surgical and specialty practices may adopt a 1099 structure that provides flexibility but less stability. Leadership roles such as PA program faculty or hospital chief PA can further enhance a senior physician assistant's career trajectory and earnings potential. In addition to advanced credentials such as a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA certification, factors like first-assist case volume and RVU productivity bonuses can significantly boost overall compensation in this field, particularly in the competitive realm of surgical practices.
More salary data for Scottsbluff, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Scottsbluff in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Scottsbluff?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Scottsbluff?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Scottsbluff?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Scottsbluff?
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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 $153,532 for physician assistants in the Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff 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