Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Tukwila, WA: $192,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Tukwila, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $192,965/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Tukwila's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $179,669 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for experienced physician assistants in Tukwila, Washington, show strong potential for top earners in 2026, with the 90th percentile reaching an impressive $192,965. When comparing this to the national top earners' figures, Tukwila's competitive landscape reveals a promising gap that highlights the experience premium available for those with over seven years in the field. With a median annual salary set at $147,291, the leap to top-tier pay underscores the financial rewards that come with advanced experience and specialization. Achieving these elevated salary levels typically requires not only sustained performance but also the pursuit of further education, specialized training, and certifications that are highly valued in the local healthcare market.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Tukwila earn between $172,398 and $192,965 per year (2026 est.). This $75,706 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tukwila median of $147,291 sits 4.91% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Tukwila | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $147,291 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,398 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $192,965 | $196,597 |
In Tukwila, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 31.01% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Tukwila
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $147,291 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tukwila employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Tukwila command premium compensation, often reaching the $172,398–$192,965 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTukwila ranks #48 of 50 Washington cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $192,965).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Tukwila ($192,965) is 12.73% below the Washington average P90 ($221,122).
2019 BLS Actual
$154,217
2025 BLS Actual
$186,764
2026 Current Est.
$192,965
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,217 | Actual |
| 2020 | $159,468 | Actual |
| 2021 | $161,578 | Actual |
| 2022 | $165,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $167,634 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $186,764 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $192,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $199,371 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Tukwila saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $154,217 in 2019 to $186,764 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 $199,371 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Compensation for senior physician assistants in Tukwila varies significantly based on their specialization and the type of employer. Certain fields, such as surgical PA positions in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery, tend to command higher salaries due to the complexity and critical nature of the work. Meanwhile, employment in hospital systems or specialty practices often provides distinct advantages in terms of structured pay and benefits compared to 1099 locum setups. Senior roles such as lead PA or surgical first assist coordinator not only increase earning potential but also open doors to leadership opportunities within medical institutions. Candidates with advanced degrees from ARC-PA accredited programs and additional certifications from NCCPA are notable for advancing their careers and compensation levels. Complementary factors, such as specialty case volume and prevailing RVU productivity bonuses, also play integral roles in shaping overall compensation packages for experienced physician assistants in the region.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Tukwila in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Tukwila?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Tukwila?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Tukwila?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Tukwila?
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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 $186,764 for physician assistants in the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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