Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Gillette, WY: $170,614 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Gillette, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $170,614/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Gillette's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $178,094 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For senior physician assistants operating in Gillette, Wyoming, the salary potential is substantial, especially for those who have cultivated a wealth of experience and specialized skills over their careers. The anticipated top-tier compensation in 2026 reaches as high as $170,614, while the 75th percentile sits at $153,244. This signifies a notable gap between the median annual salary of $127,417 and the top earnings achievable in this market. To access this upper pay spectrum, seasoned PAs often leverage advanced certifications, clinical leadership roles, and specific specialties that are in high demand.
About the Gillette Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gillette
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Gillette earn between $153,244 and $170,614 per year (2026 est.). This $73,709 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Gillette median of $127,417 sits 9.24% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Gillette | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $127,417 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,244 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $170,614 | $196,597 |
In Gillette, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 33.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Gillette
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $127,417 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Gillette employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Gillette command premium compensation, often reaching the $153,244–$170,614 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Gillette 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 Gillette 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 Wyoming 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 Gillette
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGillette ranks #3 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $170,614).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Gillette ($170,614) is 3.06% above the Wyoming average P90 ($165,544).
2019 BLS Actual
$136,355
2025 BLS Actual
$165,132
2026 Current Est.
$170,614
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Gillette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $136,355 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,997 | Actual |
| 2021 | $142,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $145,901 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,218 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,337 | Actual |
| 2025 | $165,132 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,614 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $176,279 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Gillette saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $136,355 in 2019 to $165,132 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 $176,279 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gillette 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 Gillette
In terms of specialties that command premium pay in Gillette, surgical physician assistants, particularly those skilled in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, tend to see the most lucrative compensation. The differences in pay are also influenced by the various types of employers; for instance, hospital systems typically offer robust W-2 compensation packages, while surgical specialty practices may offer additional incentives tied to revenue generation. Leadership opportunities, such as becoming a surgical first assist coordinator or advancing to the role of chief PA, represent viable paths for experienced professionals seeking growth. Pursuing advanced credentials, such as a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or achieving the PA-C certification, further enhances earning potential. Moreover, non-salary compensation factors like case volume, call coverage, and productivity bonuses can dramatically influence overall earnings, underscoring the diversity of financial opportunities within the senior physician assistant landscape in WY.
More salary data for Gillette, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Gillette in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Gillette?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Gillette?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Gillette?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Gillette?
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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 $165,132 for physician assistants in the Gillette 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 Gillette 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