Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Bellingham, WA: $209,512 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Bellingham, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $209,512/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Bellingham's price premium (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,752 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, Bellingham, WA, presents a compelling picture for experienced physician assistants, particularly those reaching the top of their field with annual salaries that can soar to $209,512. Such figures place Bellingham's top earners substantially above the national benchmark, highlighting a significant income gap between the median salary of $166,614 and the highest tier. Achieving this elite pay level requires not only extensive experience—generally over seven years—but also expertise in high-demand specialties and advanced certification. Senior physician assistants looking to optimize their earnings must be strategic in their career moves, capitalizing on targeted training and securing positions in lucrative sectors such as surgical practices or emergency medicine.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellingham
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Bellingham earn between $175,313 and $209,512 per year (2026 est.). This $92,740 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bellingham median of $166,614 sits 18.68% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bellingham | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $166,614 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,313 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $209,512 | $196,597 |
In Bellingham, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 25.75% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Bellingham
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $166,614 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bellingham employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Bellingham command premium compensation, often reaching the $175,313–$209,512 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bellingham 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 Bellingham 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 Washington 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 Bellingham
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBellingham ranks #35 of 50 Washington cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $209,512).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Bellingham ($209,512) is 5.25% below the Washington average P90 ($221,122).
2019 BLS Actual
$165,230
2025 BLS Actual
$202,780
2026 Current Est.
$209,512
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $165,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $168,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $161,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $188,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $193,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $202,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $209,512 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $216,468 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Bellingham saw their compensation grow 22.7% from $165,230 in 2019 to $202,780 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 $216,468 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham 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 Bellingham
Compensation for senior physician assistants in Bellingham varies widely depending on their specialization and the type of employer. Specialties such as surgical medicine, particularly in orthopedics and neurosurgery, command premium pay, while those in hospital medicine or urgent care may see more moderate compensation. Employment in larger hospital systems often comes with benefits and job security, but private practices and 1099 locum arrangements may yield higher take-home pay, especially for PAs engaged in high-volume first-assist cases. Pursuing further credentials like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, the NCCPA national certification (PA-C), and optional advanced qualifications can enhance earning potential. Additionally, variables such as productivity bonuses and call coverage compensation can supplement an experienced physician assistant salary in Bellingham, shaping a lucrative and rewarding career path.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Bellingham in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Bellingham?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Bellingham?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Bellingham?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Bellingham?
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Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $202,780 for physician assistants in the Bellingham 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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