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Average Physician Assistants Salary in Alaska

Physician Assistants in Alaska command an impressive average annual salary of $139,590, surpassing the national average of $136,910. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the unique logistical challenges and specialized healthcare needs inherent to serving a vast and geographically dispersed state like Alaska.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $139,590 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $185,300.
  • Outlook: Alaska's market for Physician Assistants appears robust, with a total local workforce of 670 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.08 indicates a concentration of PAs that is more than double the national average, suggesting strong demand and a specialized need for these healthcare providers within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$139,590

The average Physician Assistants in Alaska earns+2.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$67.1

Weekly

$2,684

Monthly

$11,633

Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Alaska

Career progression for Physician Assistants in Alaska, as elsewhere, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level PAs will likely earn at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while those with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or leadership roles can expect to command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary data would signify these opportunities for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$69,970$33.6
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$104,693$50.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$136,350$65.6
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$174,488$83.9
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$185,300$89.1

Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$139,590

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$110,261

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

While the average annual salary of $139,590 is attractive, Alaska's Cost of Living Index of 126.6 means that the nominal salary does not stretch as far as it would in a lower-cost area. This higher cost of living, approximately 26.6% above the national average, necessitates careful budgeting to maintain a comparable standard of living.

Job Market Context

670

Total Jobs

2.101

Per 1K Jobs

2.08

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alaska has 2.1x the national concentration of Physician Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 2.08 for Physician Assistants in Alaska signifies a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that Alaska has a specialized demand for PAs, potentially due to its unique healthcare landscape and the need for advanced practitioners in remote areas, making it a competitive yet potentially rewarding market.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physician Assistants make in Alaska?

The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Alaska is $139,590. This typically ranges from $69,970 for entry-level positions to $185,300 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 2.0% higher than the national median of $136,910.

Is Alaska a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?

Yes, Alaska offers a lucrative environment for Physician Assistants.The average salary of $139,590 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of PAs (LQ of 2.08) indicates strong local demand.

Is Alaska a good place to live for Physician Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Alaska PA salary compare to the national average?

Physician Assistants in Alaska earn an average of $139,590 annually, which is higher than the national average of $136,910.

What is the concentration of Physician Assistants in Alaska?

Alaska has a Location Quotient of 2.08 for Physician Assistants, meaning their presence is more than double the national average, indicating a high concentration.

How does the cost of living in Alaska affect the PA salary?

Alaska's Cost of Living Index is 126.6, meaning the higher nominal salary of $139,590 is somewhat offset by the increased expenses for goods and services compared to the national average.

What is the total number of Physician Assistants in Alaska?

There are approximately 670 Physician Assistants working in Alaska.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 2.101 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Physician Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alaska