Senior Physician Assistant Salary in University Park, TX: $176,463 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in University Park, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $176,463/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back University Park's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $183,816 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
For those in University Park, TX, with extensive experience as physician assistants, the compensation landscape in 2026 reveals significant earning potential. The projected top-tier salary of $176,463 for the 90th percentile creates an attractive benchmark for seasoned professionals, especially as this figure remains competitive compared to national averages. This stark contrast between the median annual salary of $130,110 and the highest earners underscores the substantial experience premium available in this market. Achieving such salaries typically involves a combination of specialized training, a robust professional network, and perhaps a commitment to ongoing education, which all contribute to enhancing one’s marketability in the competitive healthcare environment.
About the University Park Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Park
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in University Park earn between $156,006 and $176,463 per year (2026 est.). This $78,516 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The University Park median of $130,110 sits 7.32% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | University Park | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $130,110 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,006 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $176,463 | $196,597 |
In University Park, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 35.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in University Park
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $130,110 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by University Park employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in University Park command premium compensation, often reaching the $156,006–$176,463 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the University Park 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 University Park 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 Texas 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 University Park
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedUniversity Park ranks #77 of 109 Texas cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $176,463).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in University Park ($176,463) is 1.64% below the Texas average P90 ($179,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$141,029
2025 BLS Actual
$170,793
2026 Current Est.
$176,463
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in University Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,029 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $147,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,902 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,299 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,655 | Actual |
| 2025 | $170,793 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,463 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,322 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in University Park saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $141,029 in 2019 to $170,793 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 $182,322 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Park 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 University Park
Compensation for senior physician assistants in University Park often reflects the various specializations they may pursue, including surgical fields like orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as emergency medicine and critical care. Each of these areas commands premium pay, with differing levels of compensation based on employer type. Senior PAs may find themselves in hospital systems or specialty practices with varying compensation structures, from traditional W-2 positions to more flexible 1099 locum arrangements. Leadership paths, such as becoming a surgical first assist coordinator or directing PA residency programs, not only elevate professional standing but also significantly impact earnings potential. To further optimize pay, candidates can benefit from advanced qualifications, including a master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and the NCCPA national certification (PA-C). Non-salary compensation elements, like call coverage and RVU productivity bonuses, also play an essential role in shaping the overall financial picture for senior-level practitioners in University Park.
More salary data for University Park, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in University Park in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in University Park?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in University Park?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in University Park?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in University Park?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 $170,793 for physician assistants in the University Park 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 University Park 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