Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Manchester, NH: $171,325 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Manchester, NH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $171,325/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Manchester's price premium (BEA RPP 105.7, 6% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $162,152 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Manchester, New Hampshire, an experienced physician assistant can anticipate a compelling salary trajectory, especially for those in senior roles and with substantial years of expertise. The median annual salary for 2026 is projected to be $143,832, but top earners in this field can achieve a remarkable salary of $171,325. This significant difference highlights the experience premium that mature professionals receive, with a gap of over $27,000 separating the median from the upper echelon of senior physician assistant pay in NH. Achieving top-tier pay in Manchester is often associated with additional qualifications, specialized skills, and the strategic choice of employment settings that bolster earning potential.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Manchester earn between $165,353 and $171,325 per year (2026 est.). This $49,686 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Manchester median of $143,832 sits 2.45% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Manchester | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $143,832 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,353 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $171,325 | $196,597 |
In Manchester, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 19.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Manchester
Advanced Certifications in New Hampshire
NH physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $143,832 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Manchester employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Manchester command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,353–$171,325 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Manchester 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 Manchester 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 New Hampshire 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 Manchester
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedManchester ranks #16 of 16 New Hampshire cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $171,325).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Manchester ($171,325) is 3.79% below the New Hampshire average P90 ($178,076).
2019 BLS Actual
$159,890
2025 BLS Actual
$165,820
2026 Current Est.
$171,325
2019–2027 Growth
+10.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $159,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $161,760 | Actual |
| 2023 | $169,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $171,325 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,013 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Manchester saw their compensation grow 3.7% from $159,890 in 2019 to $165,820 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 $177,013 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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 Manchester
The demand for specialized skills among experienced physician assistants is particularly pronounced in Manchester, with surgical PAs and those practicing in fields like emergency medicine, dermatology, and critical care often commanding the highest salaries. Compensation can also vary significantly based on the type of employer; senior roles within hospital systems generally provide stable W-2 compensation packages, whereas opportunities in surgical specialty practices or locum tenens positions may offer incentivized pay structures. Pursuing leadership positions, such as becoming a lead PA or transitioning into educational roles, can further enhance pay and professional stature. Advanced credentials, including a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and national certification from NCCPA, are critical for maximizing salary potential. Additionally, non-salary compensation elements, such as productivity bonuses and case volume in specialty areas, play a crucial part in overall remuneration for those at the top of their field.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Manchester in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Manchester?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Manchester?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Manchester?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Manchester?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 $165,820 for physician assistants in the Manchester 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