Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Mequon, WI: $164,828 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Mequon, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $164,828/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Mequon's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $176,475 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking to excel within the healthcare framework in Mequon, Wisconsin, the opportunities for experienced physician assistants are promising. By 2026, senior physician assistants can expect a median annual salary of $129,701, with top earners (P90) reaching as much as $164,828. This is particularly noteworthy when compared to national figures, as the highest pay in Mequon remains competitive, given the projected national median salary of $140,391. The substantial gap between the median and the highest earners illustrates the premium that comes with extensive experience and specialized skills. Achieving such top-tier pay typically involves specialization and years of dedication, reflecting a well-rounded skill set that meets both clinical and administrative demands in various healthcare settings.
About the Mequon Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mequon
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Mequon earn between $148,658 and $164,828 per year (2026 est.). This $59,736 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Mequon median of $129,701 sits 7.61% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Mequon | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $129,701 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,658 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $164,828 | $196,597 |
In Mequon, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 27.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Mequon
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $129,701 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Mequon employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Mequon command premium compensation, often reaching the $148,658–$164,828 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Mequon 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 Mequon 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 Wisconsin 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 Mequon
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMequon ranks #43 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $164,828).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Mequon ($164,828) is 4.84% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($173,204).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,730
2025 BLS Actual
$159,532
2026 Current Est.
$164,828
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Mequon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $136,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $138,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $140,953 | Actual |
| 2023 | $143,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,532 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,828 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,301 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Mequon saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $131,730 in 2019 to $159,532 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 $170,301 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mequon 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 Mequon
Compensation for senior physician assistants can vary significantly across different healthcare environments in Mequon. Specializations such as surgical roles in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery command a premium, especially considering the first-assist billing that these positions often entail. Additionally, emergency medicine, critical care, and dermatology roles are well-compensated. Employment type also plays a crucial role; those in hospital systems typically receive W-2 compensation with benefits, while surgical specialty practices and urgent care chains may offer different financial incentives. Career progression for physician assistants includes pathways to lead PA positions, program faculty roles, or even the opportunity to influence practice standards through AAPA leadership. Pursuing advanced credentials such as a Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and earning NCCPA national certification can further enhance earning potential in WI. Beyond salary, factors such as call coverage, RVU productivity bonuses, and case volume contribute to the overall compensation package, making this a dynamic field ripe with opportunities for experienced professionals.
More salary data for Mequon, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Mequon in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Mequon?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Mequon?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Mequon?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Mequon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $159,532 for physician assistants in the Mequon 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 Mequon 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