Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Salem, NH: $195,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Salem, NH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,790/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Salem's price premium (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $182,470 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, experienced physician assistants position themselves for lucrative compensation, earning a 2026 median annual salary of $147,003. However, top-tier earners in this market can achieve remarkable financial success, with salaries reaching up to $195,790 for the 90th percentile. This represents a significant disparity against the median, illustrating that specialized knowledge and extensive experience can lead to a substantial income boast. To reach this upper echelon, PAs must hone their skills, focus on critical specializations, and often pursue advanced credentials. Such career strategies elevate not only their earning potential but also solidify their roles as leaders within the healthcare framework.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Salem earn between $173,324 and $195,790 per year (2026 est.). This $89,149 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salem median of $147,003 sits 4.71% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Salem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $147,003 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,324 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,790 | $196,597 |
In Salem, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 33.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Salem
Advanced Certifications in New Hampshire
NH physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $147,003 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salem employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Salem command premium compensation, often reaching the $173,324–$195,790 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSalem ranks #6 of 16 New Hampshire cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $195,790).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Salem ($195,790) is 9.95% above the New Hampshire average P90 ($178,076).
2019 BLS Actual
$156,475
2025 BLS Actual
$189,499
2026 Current Est.
$195,790
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $156,475 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,803 | Actual |
| 2021 | $163,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,089 | Actual |
| 2024 | $174,206 | Actual |
| 2025 | $189,499 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $202,291 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Salem saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $156,475 in 2019 to $189,499 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 $202,291 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
Salaries for senior physician assistants in Salem can vary widely, particularly based on their area of specialization and the type of employer. Surgical PAs, especially those involved in orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgeries, often command the highest compensation due to their integral roles in complex procedures. Employed by hospital systems, surgical specialty practices, or emergency departments, these professionals can navigate significant differences in pay structures. Leadership paths, including roles like a chief PA or surgical first assist coordinator, provide avenues for both advancement and increased salary. Furthermore, advancing through qualifications such as obtaining an NCCPA certification (PA-C) or a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program can be vital to achieving high compensation. Compensation strategies extend beyond salary alone; factors like call coverage, case volume, and RVU productivity bonuses also play critical roles in total earnings for top-tier professionals in the field.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Salem in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Salem?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Salem?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Salem?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Salem?
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 $189,499 for physician assistants in the Salem 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 Salem 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