Average Physician Assistants Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Physician Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $117,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $136,910, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different healthcare cost structure influence compensation in this region. The specific economic landscape of Chattanooga shapes the earning potential for these vital healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $117,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $131,560.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 Physician Assistants and a Location Quotient of 0.75, the job market in Chattanooga indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it suggests a stable demand for PAs, with opportunities present but perhaps not as abundant as in more concentrated metropolitan areas. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.756) further supports a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, need for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-14.5%below the national average.
$56.3
$2,252
$9,760
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Physician Assistants across the United States, including Chattanooga, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by increasing demand for healthcare services, advancements in medical technology, and a growing recognition of the PA role's value. Therefore, it's probable that the average salary in Chattanooga has seen a positive upward trajectory, mirroring national trends.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Physician Assistants in Chattanooga is typically tied to experience. Entry-level PAs can expect to earn at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills will command higher compensation. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often represented by percentile differences, signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the potential for significant income growth as PAs build their expertise and professional network.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $94,220 | $45.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $87,840 | $42.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $125,160 | $60.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $146,400 | $70.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $131,560 | $63.3 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$117,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$117,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $117,120 for Physician Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Residents can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a rate comparable to the rest of the country, making Chattanooga an economically stable choice for PAs from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
0.756
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.75x the national average concentration of Physician Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.75 for Physician Assistants in Chattanooga suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This indicates that while there is a presence of PAs, the market is not as saturated as in some other areas. This could translate to a competitive job market where employers may seek specific skills, but also presents opportunities for PAs to establish themselves without facing overwhelming competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Physician Assistants Salary | $113,650↓ 3% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Physician Assistants Salary | $109,570↓ 6% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Physician Assistants Salary | $107,480↓ 8% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Physician Assistants Salary | $121,650↑ 4% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $117,120. This typically ranges from $94,220 for entry-level positions to $131,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 14.5% lower than the national median of $136,910.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, with a caveat.Physician Assistants in Chattanooga earn $117,120 annually, which is below the national average. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning their salary offers equivalent purchasing power.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($113,650) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's PA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physician Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $117,120, which is lower than the national average of $136,910.
What is the Cost of Living in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for Physician Assistants in Chattanooga?
The Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests a slightly lower concentration of PAs than the national average, indicating stable but not exceptionally high demand.
How many Physician Assistants work in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 200 Physician Assistants employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.756 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physician Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA