Average Physician Assistants Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Physician Assistants in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $128,460. This figure is slightly below the national average of $136,910, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the healthcare sector of this metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $128,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $160,800.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area boasts a robust job market for Physician Assistants, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 810 professionals. The high Location Quotient of 2.35 indicates a significantly higher concentration of PAs compared to the national average, signaling strong demand and a well-established presence for this vital healthcare role within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-6.2%below the national average.
$61.8
$2,470
$10,705
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physician Assistants in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in medical technology, and evolving scope of practice for PAs likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Physician Assistants in Durham-Chapel Hill is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level PAs can expect compensation towards the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the rewards of career advancement and specialization.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $103,560 | $49.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $96,345 | $46.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $125,210 | $60.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $160,575 | $77.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $160,800 | $77.3 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$128,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$128,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $128,460 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a PA's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the significant financial strain often associated with higher or lower cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
810
Total Jobs
2.367
Per 1K Jobs
2.35
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.35, Durham-Chapel Hill presents a market with a notably higher concentration of Physician Assistants than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where opportunities are plentiful, but professionals may also encounter a larger pool of qualified candidates, necessitating strong credentials and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $124,800↓ 3% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $119,470↓ 7% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $126,150↓ 2% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $114,230↓ 11% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $121,310↓ 6% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $128,460. This typically ranges from $103,560 for entry-level positions to $160,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 6.2% lower than the national median of $136,910.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary with a cost of living on par with the national average.Physician Assistants in Durham-Chapel Hill earn a substantial average salary of $128,460, which, when adjusted for the national average cost of living, provides strong financial stability and earning potential.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($124,800) and Burlington, NC.
How does the Physician Assistant salary in Durham-Chapel Hill compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physician Assistants in Durham-Chapel Hill is $128,460, which is slightly lower than the national average of $136,910.
What is the concentration of Physician Assistants in Durham-Chapel Hill?
Durham-Chapel Hill has a high concentration of Physician Assistants, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.35, meaning there are more than double the national average of PAs per worker.
How does the cost of living affect the Physician Assistant salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $128,460 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about the job market for Physician Assistants?
With 810 Physician Assistants employed locally, the workforce size indicates a significant and established demand for these professionals within the Durham-Chapel Hill healthcare system.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 810 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 2.367 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC