Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Tooele, UT: $191,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Tooele, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $191,928/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Tooele's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $195,645 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tooele, Utah, the potential for high earnings among senior physician assistants is particularly promising, with the top earners (P90) projected to make $191,928 annually in 2026. This figure showcases an attractive opportunity, especially when the median annual salary stands at $136,485, creating a substantial gap between typical and top-tier remuneration. Achieving such salaries often requires a combination of extensive clinical experience, specialization, and advanced credentials. With skill and dedication, physician assistants in Tooele can position themselves to reach these impressive income levels, competing favorably against national averages—as evidenced by the P75 level of $159,143, which also indicates a strong earning potential for experienced professionals in the area.
About the Tooele Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tooele
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Tooele earn between $159,143 and $191,928 per year (2026 est.). This $84,147 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tooele median of $136,485 sits 2.78% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Tooele | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,485 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,143 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $191,928 | $196,597 |
In Tooele, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 40.62% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Tooele
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $136,485 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tooele employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Tooele command premium compensation, often reaching the $159,143–$191,928 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tooele 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 Tooele 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 Tooele
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTooele ranks #8 of 41 Utah cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $191,928).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Tooele ($191,928) is 6.56% above the Utah average P90 ($180,119).
2019 BLS Actual
$153,389
2025 BLS Actual
$185,761
2026 Current Est.
$191,928
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Tooele (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $153,389 | Actual |
| 2020 | $158,611 | Actual |
| 2021 | $160,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $164,127 | Actual |
| 2023 | $166,734 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $185,761 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $191,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $198,300 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Tooele saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $153,389 in 2019 to $185,761 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 $198,300 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tooele 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 Tooele
Compensation for senior physician assistants in Tooele can vary significantly based on specialization and employer type. Specialties such as surgical assistance in orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and emergency medicine tend to command higher salaries due to their complexity and demand. Hospital systems typically offer competitive W-2 salaries, whereas private practices or urgent care facilities may provide more flexibility through 1099 contract arrangements, which can sometimes lead to additional incentives like productivity bonuses. Pursuing advanced certifications, participating in leadership roles, or specializing in high-demand areas can further enhance earning prospects. Advanced credentials, such as the NCCPA national certification and a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, position PAs favorably in the job market. Non-salary compensation drivers, including RVU productivity bonuses, call coverage, and the volume of procedures, also contribute to the overall financial package for seasoned physician assistants in this evolving field.
More salary data for Tooele, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Tooele in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Tooele?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Tooele?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Tooele?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Tooele?
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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 $185,761 for physician assistants in the Tooele 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 Tooele 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