Average Physician Assistants Salary in Colorado
Physician Assistants in Colorado earn an impressive average annual salary of $138,570, slightly surpassing the national average of $136,910. This competitive compensation reflects the state's robust healthcare demands and the specialized skills required for these vital roles within the medical field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $138,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $178,060.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,180 Physician Assistants and a Location Quotient of 1.09, Colorado demonstrates a healthy concentration of these professionals, indicating a stable and potentially growing demand for their services. The job market appears robust, suggesting ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced PAs.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Colorado earns+1.2%above the national average.
$66.6
$2,665
$11,548
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Physician Assistants in Colorado have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in medical technology, and a growing patient population likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Colorado
Career progression for Physician Assistants in Colorado typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level PAs can expect compensation towards the lower end of the spectrum, while senior PAs with specialized skills and extensive experience command higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the pay scale.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $99,960 | $48.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $103,928 | $50 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $131,910 | $63.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $173,213 | $83.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $178,060 | $85.6 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$138,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$131,346
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $138,570 in Colorado offers a strong purchasing power, especially when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While slightly above the national average, this salary comfortably accommodates the higher cost of living, allowing for a good standard of living for Physician Assistants.
Job Market Context
3,180
Total Jobs
1.101
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physician Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.09 signifies that Colorado has a slightly higher concentration of Physician Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where demand is present and the supply of PAs is well-aligned with industry needs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Physician Assistants Salary | $140,610↑ 1% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Physician Assistants Salary | $139,160↑ 0% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Physician Assistants Salary | $138,000↓ 0% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Physician Assistants Salary | $150,670↑ 9% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Physician Assistants Salary | $124,280↓ 10% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Colorado is $138,570. This typically ranges from $99,960 for entry-level positions to $178,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 1.2% higher than the national median of $136,910.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, Colorado is a lucrative state for Physician Assistants.The average salary of $138,570 exceeds the national average, and while the cost of living is slightly higher, the compensation remains competitive and supportive of a good lifestyle.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($140,610) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does Colorado's average PA salary compare to the national average?
Colorado Physician Assistants earn an average of $138,570 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $136,910.
What is the concentration of Physician Assistants in Colorado?
Colorado has a Location Quotient of 1.09 for Physician Assistants, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect a PA's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, Colorado is slightly more expensive than the national average. However, the higher average salary for PAs helps to offset this increased cost.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for PAs in Colorado?
The figure of 1.101 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a solid presence and demand for Physician Assistants within Colorado's overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,180 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 1.101 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 Colorado