Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Bristol, VA: $164,241 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Bristol, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $164,241/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Bristol's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $159,148 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 Bristol, Virginia, those pursuing an experienced physician assistant salary can anticipate substantial earnings, especially at the senior level within the field. The top earners, projected to reach $164,241 in 2026, illustrate the lucrative potential that exists for seasoned professionals. The median annual salary of $124,182 demonstrates a significant experience premium, with a notable gap separating the average from the highest income brackets. Achieving this top-tier pay often requires not only years of experience, typically seven or more, but also specialization in areas that command higher compensation, alongside a robust network and leadership positions within healthcare teams.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Bristol earn between $146,679 and $164,241 per year (2026 est.). This $67,560 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bristol median of $124,182 sits 11.55% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bristol | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $124,182 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,679 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $164,241 | $196,597 |
In Bristol, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 32.26% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Bristol
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $124,182 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bristol employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Bristol command premium compensation, often reaching the $146,679–$164,241 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Virginia 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 Bristol
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBristol ranks #39 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $164,241).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Bristol ($164,241) is 8.07% below the Virginia average P90 ($178,659).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,261
2025 BLS Actual
$158,963
2026 Current Est.
$164,241
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,261 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $137,526 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $142,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,049 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,963 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,241 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,693 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Bristol saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $131,261 in 2019 to $158,963 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 $169,693 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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 Bristol
Compensation for senior physician assistants in Bristol varies significantly depending on specialization and the type of healthcare organization. Surgical PAs, especially in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery, generally earn more due to the complexities of their roles, which include first-assist billing opportunities. Hospitals and surgical specialty practices often provide competitive salaries, whereas urgent care centers and primary care offices might offer lower pay structures. Leadership roles such as surgical first assist coordinator or PA residency director can further elevate income potential. Advanced credentials, including master's degrees from ARC-PA accredited programs and NCCPA certification, significantly enhance earning prospects in Virginia. Non-salary compensation also plays a critical role, with factors like first-assist case volume and RVU productivity bonuses contributing to the overall financial package for experienced professionals.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Bristol in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Bristol?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Bristol?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Bristol?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Bristol?
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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 $158,963 for physician assistants in the Bristol 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 Bristol 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