Average Physician Assistants Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Physician Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, command an impressive average annual salary of $138,980. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $136,910, suggesting a localized demand or a specific market dynamic influencing compensation within the region. The robust healthcare sector in Iowa likely contributes to this competitive pay for PAs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $138,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $183,360.
- Outlook: The Physician Assistant job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, shows a stable presence with a total local workforce of 260 professionals. While the Location Quotient of 0.65 indicates a concentration below the national average, the consistent number of professionals suggests a steady, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for their services within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+1.5%above the national average.
$66.8
$2,673
$11,582
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Physician Assistant salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, like national trends, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in medical technology, and a growing demand for healthcare professionals typically drive upward salary adjustments in this field.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Physician Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level PAs may start at a lower percentile, but as they accumulate years of practice, develop specialized skills, and take on more complex responsibilities, their earning potential can rise substantially, reflecting the value of seasoned professionals in the healthcare system.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $98,430 | $47.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $104,235 | $50.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $134,400 | $64.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $173,725 | $83.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $183,360 | $88.2 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$138,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$138,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $138,980 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Physician Assistant's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
0.651
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.65x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.65, the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, market for Physician Assistants is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while PAs are present and valued, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified professionals seeking employment without facing intense competition from a disproportionately large local workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Physician Assistants Salary | $123,650↓ 11% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $146,110↑ 5% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $133,280↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $135,180↓ 3% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $138,610↓ 0% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $138,980. This typically ranges from $98,430 for entry-level positions to $183,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 1.5% higher than the national median of $136,910.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physician Assistants.Physician Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn slightly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($123,650) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines Physician Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physician Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is $138,980, which is slightly higher than the national average of $136,910.
What is the Cost of Living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is 100, which is precisely the national average, meaning the salary offers standard purchasing power.
How concentrated is the Physician Assistant job market in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The job market concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.65, is below the national average, suggesting fewer PAs relative to the national workforce.
What is the total number of Physician Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
There are approximately 260 Physician Assistants employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.651 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA