📋 Official Bureau of Labor Statistics & Tech Benchmark (2026)

Physician Assistant (PA) Salary in California

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for Physician Assistant (PA) in California.

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Verified Compensation Research: Analytically verified by Jobflixs Labor Analytics Team • Primary Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SEC 10-K filings & H-1B Disclosures (2026). View Methodology →
Demand: +34% (High Demand)
$155,000
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $74.53/hr
📊 80% Range: $122,500 – $206,250
📍 Regional Multiplier: +25% vs National Baseline
10th % Entry $122,500
25th % Junior $138,750
50th % Median $155,000
75th % Senior $180,625
90th % Top 10% $206,250
Base Annual Salary $155,000
Target Annual Bonus $18,600
Annual Stock / Equity $34,100
Total Compensation (TC) $207,700
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Fact-Checked & Methodologically Verified by the SalaryPulse Research Team.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS Survey), DOL Certified H-1B Disclosures & Public SEC 10-K Filings. Learn about our formula →
Live Opportunities (Salary Transparency)

Verified Physician Assistant (PA) Openings in California

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $155,000/yr median benchmark.

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BY
Byron - North Bridge • 📍 Edinburgh, Scotland

Kitchen Assistant

Full-Time Mid-Senior
$26,000 – $26,000 per year
Apply ↗

Salary Progression by Experience Level in California

Estimated pay progression across career stages for Physician Assistant (PA)

Entry-Level (0 - 2 yrs)

Junior Physician Assistant (PA)

Recent graduates and early career entrants.

Median Pay
$122,500
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

Physician Assistant (PA)

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$155,000
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior Physician Assistant (PA)

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$180,625
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$206,250

Physician Assistant (PA) Salary in Other US Locations

Compare regional earnings and cost-of-living adjustments

San Francisco, CA

COL Index: 179.5%
$171,120

San Jose, CA

COL Index: 174.2%
$168,640

New York, NY

COL Index: 186%
$166,160

Seattle, WA

COL Index: 148%
$158,720

Hawaii

COL Index: 179%
$158,720

Oakland, CA

COL Index: 155%
$158,720

Boston, MA

COL Index: 149%
$155,000

California

COL Index: 142%
$155,000

Role Profile & Career Requirements

A Physician Assistant (PA) leads technical design, operational execution, and industry best practices in their specialized sector. High demand and strong compensation growth projected through 2026-2032.

Required Education
Bachelor's, Master's, or Industry Professional License
Experience Benchmark
2-6 years
10-Year Projected Growth
+34% (High Demand)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physician Assistant (PA) make in California?

The median annual salary for a Physician Assistant (PA) in California is $155,000, with entry-level professionals earning around $122,500 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $206,250.

What is the average hourly rate for a Physician Assistant (PA) in California?

On average, a Physician Assistant (PA) in California makes approximately $74.53 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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