Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Raleigh, NC: $161,179 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Raleigh, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $161,179/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Raleigh's price premium (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $164,205 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, Raleigh, North Carolina, presents a robust compensation landscape for seasoned physician assistants, especially those reaching the pinnacle of the profession. With a median annual salary of $128,427, the opportunity for experienced PAs to significantly enhance their earnings is evident. The salary range for the top 10% of earners (P90) climbs to an impressive $161,179, reflecting a substantial experience premium. This gap emphasizes the potential rewards for PAs who specialize, pursue advanced training, and take on critical leadership roles. As Raleigh continues to grow as a healthcare hub, those with extensive experience and specialized skills are well-positioned to achieve top-tier pay and make a substantial impact on patient care.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Raleigh
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Raleigh earn between $142,706 and $161,179 per year (2026 est.). This $51,939 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Raleigh median of $128,427 sits 8.52% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Raleigh | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $128,427 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,706 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $161,179 | $196,597 |
In Raleigh, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 25.50% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Raleigh
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $128,427 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Raleigh employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Raleigh command premium compensation, often reaching the $142,706–$161,179 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRaleigh ranks #42 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $161,179).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Raleigh ($161,179) is 7.8% below the North Carolina average P90 ($174,809).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,950
2025 BLS Actual
$156,000
2026 Current Est.
$161,179
2019–2027 Growth
+12.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $153,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $151,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $155,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $161,179 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $166,530 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Raleigh saw their compensation grow 5.4% from $147,950 in 2019 to $156,000 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 $166,530 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Compensation for senior physician assistants in Raleigh varies significantly depending on specialization and the type of employer. Surgical PAs, particularly in high-demand fields such as orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery, often see superior pay. Emergency medicine and critical care positions also command premium salary rates. Distinctions arise across employer types; hospital systems typically offer W-2 employment with stable benefits, while surgical practices may provide performance bonuses or revenue-based incentives. Additionally, senior-level roles, such as lead PA or surgical first assist coordinator, open up pathways to both increased responsibilities and compensation. Advanced credentials, like a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or a Certificate of Added Qualifications, can further elevate earning potential. Non-salary incentives, including case volume and RVU productivity bonuses, also play a critical role in total compensation for experienced physician assistants in NC.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Raleigh in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Raleigh?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Raleigh?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Raleigh?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Raleigh?
Related Pages
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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 $156,000 for physician assistants in the Raleigh 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