Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Greensboro, NC: $195,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Greensboro, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,213/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Greensboro's price premium (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $210,212 in average-cost America. The 57% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Greensboro, North Carolina, the earning potential for experienced physician assistants reflects a significant disparity between median and top-tier salaries. The 2026 median annual salary is projected at $124,542, while top earners can attain a remarkable $195,213. This gap underscores the value placed on highly specialized skills and extensive experience. Achieving such top-tier pay often requires a dedication to acquiring advanced credentials, maintaining a strong network within the medical community, and pursuing roles in high-demand specialties that are compensated at premium rates. Those aiming for the peak of the salary spectrum must consistently refine their expertise and seek out positions that leverage their full range of capabilities.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greensboro
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Greensboro earn between $136,351 and $195,213 per year (2026 est.). This $89,217 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Greensboro median of $124,542 sits 11.29% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Greensboro | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $124,542 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,351 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,213 | $196,597 |
In Greensboro, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 56.74% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Greensboro
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $124,542 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Greensboro employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Greensboro command premium compensation, often reaching the $136,351–$195,213 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Greensboro 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 Greensboro 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 North Carolina 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 Greensboro
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreensboro ranks #7 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $195,213).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Greensboro ($195,213) is 11.67% above the North Carolina average P90 ($174,809).
2019 BLS Actual
$126,870
2025 BLS Actual
$188,940
2026 Current Est.
$195,213
2019–2027 Growth
+59.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Greensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $146,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $188,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $201,694 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Greensboro saw their compensation grow 48.9% from $126,870 in 2019 to $188,940 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 $201,694 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greensboro 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 Greensboro
In Greensboro, specific specializations can significantly elevate a senior physician assistant's pay, particularly in surgical fields like orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as emergency medicine and critical care. The compensation landscape varies widely across employer types; large hospital systems typically offer W-2 positions with steady salaries and benefits, while surgical specialty practices may provide higher pay in exchange for more demanding on-call hours. Non-salary compensation factors also play an essential role; first-assist case volume and RVU productivity bonuses can substantially boost total income, especially in surgical settings. Furthermore, advanced credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA certification (PA-C), and state licensure elevate earning potential. Engaging in leadership roles or pursuing educational positions adds another path for growth, allowing seasoned professionals to enhance their standing within the field and solidify their financial future in the growing healthcare ecosystem of NC.
More salary data for Greensboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Greensboro in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Greensboro?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Greensboro?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Greensboro?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Greensboro?
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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 $188,940 for physician assistants in the Greensboro 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