Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $179,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Grand Forks, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $179,632/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Grand Forks's price premium (BEA RPP 86.7, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $207,276 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior physician assistants in Grand Forks, ND, benefit significantly from their experience, with the potential to earn up to $179,632 in 2026. This top-tier pay reflects the strong demand for seasoned professionals in the area, creating a substantial gap between the median annual salary of $137,881 and elite earners. Moreover, Grand Forks's top earners showcase a competitive edge when compared to national figures, even as they fall slightly short against the national median of $140,391. Reaching such impressive compensation levels requires not just years of experience, but also a focus on advanced specializations that are highly sought after in healthcare settings, ensuring experienced physician assistants are well-positioned to negotiate favorable salaries.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Grand Forks earn between $161,882 and $179,632 per year (2026 est.). This $97,710 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Grand Forks median of $137,881 sits 1.79% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Grand Forks | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $137,881 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,882 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $179,632 | $196,597 |
In Grand Forks, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 30.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Grand Forks
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $137,881 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Grand Forks employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Grand Forks command premium compensation, often reaching the $161,882–$179,632 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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 Dakota 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 Grand Forks
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGrand Forks ranks #3 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $179,632).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Grand Forks ($179,632) is 7.13% below the North Dakota average P90 ($193,419).
2019 BLS Actual
$143,562
2025 BLS Actual
$173,860
2026 Current Est.
$179,632
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $143,562 | Actual |
| 2020 | $148,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $161,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $179,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,596 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Grand Forks saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $143,562 in 2019 to $173,860 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 $185,596 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
Compensation strategies for seasoned physician assistants in Grand Forks vary widely depending on their specialization and employer type. Surgical PAs, especially in fields like orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, command premium pay for their services due to the higher reimbursement rates associated with first-assist procedures. Additionally, those working in hospital systems typically receive a more stable W-2 employment structure compared to those in private practice or locum tenens roles, which may offer greater flexibility but come with variable income. A clear career path exists for senior PAs to ascend into leadership roles, such as lead PA or program director. Further enhancing earning potential, obtaining advanced credentials like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA certification can solidify a PA's position as a top candidate for lucrative opportunities. Factors such as RVU productivity bonuses, case volume, and specialty considerations also influence overall compensation in this evolving field.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Grand Forks in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Grand Forks?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Grand Forks?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Grand Forks?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Grand Forks?
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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 $173,860 for physician assistants in the Grand Forks 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, 5-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