Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Olympia, WA: $254,116 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Olympia, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $254,116/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Olympia's price premium (BEA RPP 103.7, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $245,120 in average-cost America. The 60% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Olympia, Washington, senior physician assistants can anticipate notable earning potential, with top-tier salaries reaching up to $254,116 in 2026. This pay scale positions Olympia ahead of the national average, where the highest earners can expect around $140,391. The significant gap between the median annual salary of $159,051 and the upper echelon of earnings illustrates the value of extensive experience and advanced skills in this profession. Those aiming for the top physician assistant salary in Olympia must focus on building specialized skills, pursuing leadership roles, and obtaining additional certifications that enhance their marketability.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olympia
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Olympia earn between $171,604 and $254,116 per year (2026 est.). This $138,873 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Olympia median of $159,051 sits 13.29% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Olympia | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $159,051 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,604 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $254,116 | $196,597 |
In Olympia, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 59.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Olympia
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $159,051 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Olympia employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Olympia command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,604–$254,116 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOlympia ranks #4 of 50 Washington cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $254,116).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Olympia ($254,116) is 14.92% above the Washington average P90 ($221,122).
2019 BLS Actual
$166,430
2025 BLS Actual
$245,950
2026 Current Est.
$254,116
2019–2027 Growth
+57.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $166,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $171,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $166,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $177,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $176,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $193,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $245,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $254,116 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $262,552 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Olympia saw their compensation grow 47.8% from $166,430 in 2019 to $245,950 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 $262,552 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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 Olympia
Critical to achieving high compensation in Olympia is the specialty of the physician assistant's practice area. Senior roles in surgical settings, particularly in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, typically command higher pay than practices in primary care or urgent care settings. Compensation varies significantly across employer types; for instance, hospital systems may offer structured W-2 employment while private practices might provide a 1099 locum option, affecting overall earnings. Leadership roles, such as hospital chief PA or educational positions in PA programs, present viable pathways for experienced professionals to elevate their careers and incomes. In addition, holding advanced credentials from recognized programs like those accredited by ARC-PA and obtaining NCCPA certification are strategies that can enhance earning potential in Olympia’s competitive landscape for physician assistants.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Olympia in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Olympia?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Olympia?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Olympia?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Olympia?
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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 $245,950 for physician assistants in the Olympia 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