Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Salem, VA: $167,094 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Salem, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $167,094/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Salem's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $161,913 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
The potential for earning a top physician assistant salary in Salem, Virginia, is significant, with the 2026 projected annual salary for experienced professionals reaching as high as $167,094. Those in the 75th percentile can expect a noteworthy annual compensation of $148,361, highlighting a lucrative pathway for seasoned PAs. Compared to the national top earners' median, Salem's figures reflect a gap, particularly when considering the median salary of $126,653 for experienced physician assistants in the area. Achieving top-tier pay in this market requires specialization, advanced credentials, and potentially leadership roles that leverage both experience and clinical skills to meet the specific needs of patients and healthcare systems in the region.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Salem earn between $148,361 and $167,094 per year (2026 est.). This $76,570 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salem median of $126,653 sits 9.79% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Salem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $126,653 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,361 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $167,094 | $196,597 |
In Salem, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 31.93% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Salem
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $126,653 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salem employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Salem command premium compensation, often reaching the $148,361–$167,094 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSalem ranks #37 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $167,094).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Salem ($167,094) is 6.47% below the Virginia average P90 ($178,659).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,541
2025 BLS Actual
$161,725
2026 Current Est.
$167,094
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,541 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,088 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,891 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,861 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,725 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,094 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,642 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Salem saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $133,541 in 2019 to $161,725 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 $172,642 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
Compensation trajectories for senior physician assistants in Salem differ widely based on specialty and employment type. Specialties such as orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and emergency medicine can command premium pay due to the advanced skill sets and high-demand nature of the roles. Employment structures also play a crucial role in salary variations—hospital systems typically offer W-2 positions with benefits, while private practices may present 1099 arrangements that could yield higher immediate pay but lack stability. Advancement prospects are plentiful, with leadership roles including lead PA, surgical first assist coordinator, or PA residency director presenting clear benchmarks for career growth. Additionally, advanced credentials such as a master's degree and NCCPA certification can significantly enhance earning potential in this market. Non-salary factors like call coverage, first-assist case volume, and RVU productivity bonuses further influence overall compensation, meaning that the landscape for senior physician assistant pay in VA is both diverse and promising.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Salem in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Salem?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Salem?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Salem?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Salem?
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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 $161,725 for physician assistants in the Salem 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 Salem 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