Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Wilson, NC: $175,973 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Wilson, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $175,973/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Wilson's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $188,005 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the potential for senior physician assistants in Wilson, NC, reaches notable heights, particularly for those who are among the most experienced in their field. With a median annual salary projected at $129,483, the top earners can expect to make up to $175,973. This represents a significant experience premium, highlighting the disparity between median salaries and what the top tier can earn—even compared to a national median of $140,391. Climbing the salary ladder in this market typically requires a combination of advanced clinical skills, specialized training, and a solid record in high-demand areas such as surgical assisting or emergency medicine. Achieving this level of compensation is often contingent on commitment to continuous professional development and the ability to deliver exceptional patient care in fast-paced environments.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilson
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Wilson earn between $157,699 and $175,973 per year (2026 est.). This $75,020 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wilson median of $129,483 sits 7.77% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Wilson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $129,483 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,699 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $175,973 | $196,597 |
In Wilson, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 35.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Wilson
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $129,483 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wilson employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Wilson command premium compensation, often reaching the $157,699–$175,973 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wilson 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 Wilson 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 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 Wilson
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilson ranks #28 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $175,973).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Wilson ($175,973) is 0.67% above the North Carolina average P90 ($174,809).
2019 BLS Actual
$140,637
2025 BLS Actual
$170,318
2026 Current Est.
$175,973
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $140,637 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,426 | Actual |
| 2021 | $147,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,873 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,494 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,318 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $175,973 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $181,815 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Wilson saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $140,637 in 2019 to $170,318 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 $181,815 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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 Wilson
Senior physician assistants in Wilson can command higher salaries based on their area of specialization, significantly impacting pay scales in 2026. Fields such as surgical assistance, emergency medicine, and hospital medicine are particularly lucrative, often reflecting the high demand for skilled practitioners. Compensation varies depending on the employer type; hospital systems and surgical specialty practices tend to offer competitive salaries and benefits, while private practice settings, such as dermatology clinics or urgent care centers, may provide more flexible compensation structures, including 1099 arrangements. In terms of career advancement, pathways such as lead PA or hospital chief PA position experienced professionals to further elevate their earnings potential. Pursuit of advanced certifications and credentials—such as a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification, and state licensure—also serves to differentiate individuals in this competitive market. Moreover, senior-level PAs should consider non-salary compensation factors like productivity bonuses, first-assist case loads, and call coverage, as these can significantly enhance overall earnings in this vibrant healthcare market in Wilson, NC.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Wilson in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Wilson?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Wilson?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Wilson?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Wilson?
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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 $170,318 for physician assistants in the Wilson 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 Wilson 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