Average Physician Assistants Salary in Asheville, NC
Physician Assistants in Asheville, NC, earn an average annual salary of $126,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $136,910, a common occurrence in regions with a cost of living that aligns precisely with the national benchmark. Local market dynamics and demand within the Asheville area contribute to this specific compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $126,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $165,900.
- Outlook: The Physician Assistant job market in Asheville, NC, demonstrates a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.43, significantly exceeding the national average. This indicates a robust demand for these professionals relative to their national prevalence. With a local workforce of 460 individuals, the market appears well-established and offers substantial opportunities for both new entrants and experienced PAs.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Asheville, NC earns-7.3%below the national average.
$61
$2,441
$10,579
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physician Assistants in Asheville, NC, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, evolving scope of practice, and inflation likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these vital healthcare providers.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
Career progression for Physician Assistants in Asheville, NC, is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level PAs can expect compensation towards the lower end of the spectrum, while senior PAs with extensive experience and specialized skills command higher salaries. The widening gap between the 25th and 75th percentile salaries signifies the substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $97,260 | $46.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $95,213 | $45.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $129,600 | $62.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $158,688 | $76.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $165,900 | $79.8 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$126,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$126,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
For Physician Assistants considering a move to Asheville, NC, the nominal salary of $126,950 is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Asheville-based PA's salary is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without financial compromise.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
2.455
Per 1K Jobs
2.43
Location Quotient
Asheville, NC has 2.4x 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 2.43 for Physician Assistants in Asheville, NC, strongly suggests a market with a higher-than-average concentration of these professionals. This indicates a robust demand and a potentially competitive environment, where employers may actively seek to attract and retain skilled PAs. The abundance of jobs relative to the national average points to a healthy and active job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Physician Assistants Salary | $111,820↓ 12% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Physician Assistants Salary | $108,420↓ 15% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Physician Assistants Salary | $129,490↑ 2% | 56 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Physician Assistants Salary | $116,350↓ 8% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Physician Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Asheville, NC is $126,950. This typically ranges from $97,260 for entry-level positions to $165,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 7.3% lower than the national median of $136,910.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, Asheville, NC offers a lucrative environment for Physician Assistants.The average salary of $126,950, combined with a national average cost of living, provides strong earning potential. Furthermore, a high Location Quotient indicates significant local demand for the role.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($111,820) and Johnson City, TN.
How does the Asheville PA salary compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in Asheville, NC, earn an average of $126,950 annually, which is approximately $10,000 less than the national average of $136,910.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Asheville?
A Location Quotient of 2.43 signifies that Physician Assistants are more than twice as concentrated in Asheville, NC, compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand.
How does the cost of living in Asheville affect PA salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Asheville's cost of living matches the national average, meaning the $126,950 salary offers a standard of living equivalent to the national benchmark.
What is the total number of Physician Assistants in Asheville?
There are approximately 460 Physician Assistants working in the Asheville, NC area, reflecting a substantial local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 2.455 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Physician Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Asheville, NC
- All Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Production Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Management Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Asheville, NC
- Browse All Jobs in Asheville, NC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Physician Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Asheville, NC