Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Passaic, NJ: $228,097 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Passaic, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $228,097/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Passaic's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $198,001 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior physician assistants in Passaic, New Jersey can expect a median annual salary of $158,301, with top earners achieving impressive figures, such as the 90th percentile (P90) salary of $228,097. This advanced level of compensation illustrates a significant experience premium, highlighting the potential salary gap between the median and those at the top of their field. Achieving this level of pay requires not only extensive clinical experience—typically over seven years—but also a proactive approach in skill development and specialization. Those who excel in specific areas such as surgical first assisting or emergency medicine are well-positioned to maximize their earning potential, underscoring the competitive nature of the market for experienced physician assistants in Passaic.
About the Passaic Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Passaic
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Passaic earn between $195,589 and $228,097 per year (2026 est.). This $108,277 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Passaic median of $158,301 sits 12.76% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Passaic | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $158,301 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $195,589 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $228,097 | $196,597 |
In Passaic, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 44.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Passaic
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $158,301 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Passaic employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Passaic command premium compensation, often reaching the $195,589–$228,097 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Passaic 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 Passaic 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 Jersey 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 Passaic
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPassaic ranks #13 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $228,097).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Passaic ($228,097) is 5.89% above the New Jersey average P90 ($215,408).
2019 BLS Actual
$182,295
2025 BLS Actual
$220,768
2026 Current Est.
$228,097
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $182,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $188,502 | Actual |
| 2021 | $190,997 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $198,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $219,063 | Actual |
| 2025 | $220,768 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $228,097 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $235,670 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Passaic saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $182,295 in 2019 to $220,768 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 $235,670 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Passaic 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 Passaic
Several factors contribute to the senior physician assistant pay in NJ, particularly with specializations that command premium rates, such as surgical roles in orthopedics or neurosurgery. These positions often yield higher compensation due to their complexity and the critical nature of the care provided. Additionally, compensation structures can vary significantly based on the employer type; hospitals may offer W-2 positions with benefits, while private surgical practices might lean toward 1099 arrangements that provide flexibility but vary in stability. Advancement opportunities—ranging from lead PA roles to residency directors—also offer pathways for increased earnings. Candidates with advanced credentials, such as a master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and national certification (PA-C), can further enhance their marketability. Non-salary compensation factors, including call coverage and RVU productivity bonuses, play a significant role in shaping overall earnings, enriching the prospects for seasoned physician assistants in Passaic.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Passaic in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Passaic?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Passaic?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Passaic?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Passaic?
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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 $220,768 for physician assistants in the Passaic 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 Passaic 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