Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Rochester, NY: $160,549 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Rochester, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $160,549/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Rochester's price premium (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $165,455 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 Rochester, New York, experienced physician assistants have the opportunity to earn considerable salaries as they advance in their careers. The projected 2026 median annual salary for this cohort is $134,760. Top earners—those at the 90th percentile—can reach salary levels as high as $160,549, representing a significant premium over the median. This wide gap illustrates the experience premium associated with the profession: while many PAs enjoy solid earnings, those who specialize and develop their professional skills can significantly enhance their compensation. Achieving such top-tier pay often requires not only years of experience but also a commitment to ongoing education and specialization in high-demand fields.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Rochester earn between $137,777 and $160,549 per year (2026 est.). This $47,796 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rochester median of $134,760 sits 4.01% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rochester | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,760 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,777 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $160,549 | $196,597 |
In Rochester, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 19.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Rochester
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $134,760 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rochester employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Rochester command premium compensation, often reaching the $137,777–$160,549 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rochester metro area, which is a large PA employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Rochester with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in New York 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 Rochester
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRochester ranks #39 of 39 New York cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $160,549).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Rochester ($160,549) is 21.28% below the New York average P90 ($203,957).
2019 BLS Actual
$132,790
2025 BLS Actual
$155,390
2026 Current Est.
$160,549
2019–2027 Growth
+24.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $154,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $153,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $158,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,549 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,879 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Rochester saw their compensation grow 17.0% from $132,790 in 2019 to $155,390 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 $165,879 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
As senior physician assistants progress in their careers in Rochester, certain specializations command particularly high pay. Areas like surgical assistance in orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery typically offer attractive compensation, often enhanced by first-assist billing potential. Compensation structures vary widely depending on the employer type; hospital systems may provide stable W-2 positions, while private specialty practices and emergency departments might offer variable income based on procedure volume. Leadership roles, such as Chief PA or PA residency director, provide further avenues for advancement and salary enhancement. Increased educational qualifications, such as completion of a master's program from an ARC-PA accredited institution, NCCPA certification, and state licensure, are crucial for accessing higher-level positions and increased earning potential. Moreover, non-salary compensation influences total remuneration; roles with high case volumes or productivity bonuses can enhance overall income beyond the base salary figures.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Rochester in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Rochester?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Rochester?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Rochester?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Rochester?
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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 $155,390 for physician assistants in the Rochester 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