Average Physician Assistants Salary in District of Columbia
Physician Assistants in the District of Columbia earn an impressive average annual salary of $144,260, surpassing the national average of $136,910. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the unique demands and high cost of living associated with practicing in the nation's capital, where specialized healthcare services are in constant demand.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $144,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $206,270.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 620 Physician Assistants, the District of Columbia presents a moderately sized but stable job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with the overall workforce size, rather than an oversaturated or exceptionally scarce market.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in District of Columbia earns+5.4%above the national average.
$69.4
$2,774
$12,022
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a consistent upward trend in Physician Assistant salaries within the District of Columbia over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, evolving scope of practice, and inflation likely contribute to gradual but steady salary growth in this vital role.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for Physician Assistants in the District of Columbia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level PAs can expect to earn closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills will command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the career advancement and earning potential available within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $81,860 | $39.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $108,195 | $52 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $131,070 | $63 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $180,325 | $86.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $206,270 | $99.2 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$144,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,014
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
The nominal average salary of $144,260 in the District of Columbia must be considered alongside its high Cost of Living Index of 148.7. While the salary is robust, the significantly higher cost of living, nearly 50% above the national average, means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
0.877
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 0.87x 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 0.87 indicates that Physician Assistants are employed in the District of Columbia at a rate slightly lower than the national average relative to the overall workforce. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, it is not disproportionately concentrated, implying a competitive but accessible job market for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $131,420↓ 9% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Physician Assistants Salary | $136,440↓ 5% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Physician Assistants Salary | $118,190↓ 18% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Physician Assistants Salary | $129,810↓ 10% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Physician Assistants Salary | $112,190↓ 22% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in District of Columbia is $144,260. This typically ranges from $81,860 for entry-level positions to $206,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 5.4% higher than the national median of $136,910.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $144,260 is higher than the national average, but the significantly elevated cost of living means the real value of this salary requires careful consideration.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($131,420) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the District of Columbia's Physician Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in the District of Columbia earn an average of $144,260 annually, which is approximately $7,350 more than the national average of $136,910.
What is the concentration of Physician Assistants in the District of Columbia?
The Location Quotient for Physician Assistants in the District of Columbia is 0.87, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in the District of Columbia affect Physician Assistant salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, the District of Columbia is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary is partially offset by increased living expenses.
What is the total number of Physician Assistants employed in the District of Columbia?
There are approximately 620 Physician Assistants employed in the District of Columbia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.877 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 District of Columbia