Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $167,359 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Williamsburg, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $167,359/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Williamsburg's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $162,170 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For experienced physician assistants in Williamsburg, Virginia, the earning potential in 2026 shows significant promise, especially for those reaching the upper tiers of the salary spectrum. With a median annual salary estimated at $123,699, the top 10% are expected to earn as much as $167,359, showcasing the experience premium that comes with advanced roles in the field. This notable difference of over $43,000 between the median and the top earners reflects a competitive market where seasoned professionals with specialized skills can secure higher compensation. Achieving such lucrative positions typically requires not only years of experience but also the right credentials and expertise in high-demand specialties, making the leap to top-tier pay a realistic goal for dedicated physician assistants in this region.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williamsburg
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Williamsburg earn between $141,237 and $167,359 per year (2026 est.). This $74,339 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Williamsburg median of $123,699 sits 11.89% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Williamsburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $123,699 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,237 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $167,359 | $196,597 |
In Williamsburg, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 35.30% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Williamsburg
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $123,699 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Williamsburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Williamsburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $141,237–$167,359 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilliamsburg ranks #36 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $167,359).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Williamsburg ($167,359) is 6.32% below the Virginia average P90 ($178,659).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,753
2025 BLS Actual
$161,981
2026 Current Est.
$167,359
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,753 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,307 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,137 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,117 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $165,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,981 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,359 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,915 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Williamsburg saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $133,753 in 2019 to $161,981 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 $172,915 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
In Williamsburg, specific specializations significantly influence senior physician assistant pay in VA, with roles in surgical settings, emergency medicine, and critical care commanding the highest compensations. Surgical PAs, particularly those involved in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, benefit from premium reimbursement through first-assist billing, thus driving their earnings higher than those in primary care or urgent care settings. Compensation structures differ across types of employers; hospital systems often provide stable W-2 benefits, while 1099 locum positions might offer flexibility and potentially higher hourly rates. Professionals may also find greater financial rewards in hospital medicine and specialty practices such as dermatology. Advanced education and credentials, like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA national certification, enhance earning potential, as do leadership roles that can influence practice patterns and income generation, such as chief PA or PA residency director. Consequently, experienced physician assistants in Williamsburg have various pathways for advancing their careers and maximizing their financial success.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Williamsburg in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Williamsburg?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Williamsburg?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Williamsburg?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Williamsburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $161,981 for physician assistants in the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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