Senior Physician Assistant Salary in American Fork, UT: $181,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in American Fork, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $181,687/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back American Fork's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $185,206 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In American Fork, Utah, senior physician assistants can expect a lucrative compensation landscape in 2026, with top-tier earners reaching $181,687 annually. This exceptional figure sits comfortably above the national top earners, showcasing the opportunity for experienced professionals in this region. The median annual salary for physician assistants in American Fork is projected at $137,294, reflecting a significant experience premium for those who have dedicated over seven years to the profession. Achieving such top-tier pay often necessitates specialization in high-demand areas, advanced credentials, and a robust track record of performance, allowing experienced physician assistants to negotiate salaries that truly reflect their expertise and contributions to healthcare.
About the American Fork Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in American Fork
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in American Fork earn between $160,852 and $181,687 per year (2026 est.). This $79,680 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The American Fork median of $137,294 sits 2.21% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | American Fork | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $137,294 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,852 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $181,687 | $196,597 |
In American Fork, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 32.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in American Fork
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $137,294 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by American Fork employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in American Fork command premium compensation, often reaching the $160,852–$181,687 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the American Fork 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 American Fork 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 Utah 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 American Fork
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAmerican Fork ranks #25 of 41 Utah cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $181,687).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in American Fork ($181,687) is 0.87% above the Utah average P90 ($180,119).
2019 BLS Actual
$145,204
2025 BLS Actual
$175,849
2026 Current Est.
$181,687
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in American Fork (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,204 | Actual |
| 2020 | $150,148 | Actual |
| 2021 | $152,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $155,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,837 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,186 | Actual |
| 2025 | $175,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $181,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,719 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in American Fork saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $145,204 in 2019 to $175,849 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 $187,719 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the American Fork 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 American Fork
In American Fork, specialized positions command significantly higher pay, with particular emphasis on surgical fields such as orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery. PAs working in emergency medicine, dermatology, and critical care also see premium compensation, given the intense demands and skill sets required in these practice areas. Senior-level compensation varies by employer type. For instance, hospital systems typically provide structured salary packages, while surgical specialty practices and emergency departments might offer higher pay rates based on the volume and complexity of cases handled. Advancement opportunities abound, leading to roles such as surgical first assist coordinator or chief PA, especially for those who hold further credentials like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or a Certificate of Added Qualifications. Non-salary compensation factors, including RVU productivity bonuses, case volume, and call coverage, further enhance the overall financial package for seasoned PAs in Utah.
More salary data for American Fork, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in American Fork in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in American Fork?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in American Fork?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in American Fork?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in American Fork?
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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 $175,849 for physician assistants in the American Fork 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 American Fork 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