Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Pasco, WA: $216,992 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Pasco, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $216,992/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Pasco's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,041 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for experienced physician assistants in Pasco, WA is $155,479, with top-earners—those reaching the 90th percentile—earning as much as $216,992. This top-tier compensation not only surpasses the national average by up to 10.75%, but it also highlights a significant experience premium, where the gap between median earnings and peak salaries becomes evident. To achieve such high levels of financial success, PAs often find themselves in competitive specialty fields or advanced practice roles, leveraging their extensive clinical experience and pursuing continuous education to stand out in a crowded job market.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasco
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Pasco earn between $188,356 and $216,992 per year (2026 est.). This $100,083 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pasco median of $155,479 sits 10.75% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Pasco | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $155,479 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,356 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $216,992 | $196,597 |
In Pasco, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 39.56% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Pasco
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $155,479 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pasco employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Pasco command premium compensation, often reaching the $188,356–$216,992 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pasco 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 Pasco 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 Pasco
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPasco ranks #25 of 50 Washington cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $216,992).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Pasco ($216,992) is 1.87% below the Washington average P90 ($221,122).
2019 BLS Actual
$173,419
2025 BLS Actual
$210,019
2026 Current Est.
$216,992
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $173,419 | Actual |
| 2020 | $179,324 | Actual |
| 2021 | $181,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $185,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $188,507 | Actual |
| 2024 | $199,893 | Actual |
| 2025 | $210,019 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $216,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $224,196 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Pasco saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $173,419 in 2019 to $210,019 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 $224,196 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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 Pasco
Senior physician assistants in Pasco can expect to see differences in salary depending on their area of specialization and the type of employer. Surgical PAs, particularly those in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery, often command the highest pay due to the ability to participate in first-assist billing. Employers like hospital systems may offer W-2 structures with comprehensive benefits, while specialized practices can provide lucrative compensation packages on a 1099 basis. Leadership roles, such as lead PA or hospital chief PA, present avenues for further growth and increased earning potential, especially for those with advanced credentials from ARC-PA accredited programs or national certifications from the NCCPA. Additionally, compensation isn't solely about salary; call coverage, RVU productivity bonuses, and the volume of first-assist cases significantly influence overall earnings. Specialties like emergency medicine, critical care, and dermatology provide varied earning opportunities, allowing for tailored career trajectories that align with personal and professional goals in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Pasco in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Pasco?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Pasco?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Pasco?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Pasco?
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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 $210,019 for physician assistants in the Pasco 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 Pasco 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