Average Physician Assistants Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Physician Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, earn an average annual salary of $121,800. This figure is notably below the national average of $136,910, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the specific healthcare needs of the region, may influence compensation levels. While lower than the national benchmark, this salary must be considered within the context of the local economic environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $121,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $146,350.
- Outlook: The job market for Physician Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.27 indicating a slightly higher presence than the national average. With a local workforce of 200 Physician Assistants, the demand appears stable, though not exceptionally high. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers stands at 1.285, reflecting a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, need for these professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-11.0%below the national average.
$58.6
$2,342
$10,150
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in Physician Assistant salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, evolving scope of practice, and a growing appreciation for the PA role likely contribute to salary growth across most regions, including this North Carolina locale.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Physician Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level PAs may start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries at the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $95,780 | $46 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $91,350 | $43.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $122,710 | $59 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $152,250 | $73.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $146,350 | $70.4 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$121,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$121,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $121,800 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physician Assistant's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, the salary offers a standard of living comparable to that experienced by PAs in other parts of the country with average living costs.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.285
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physician Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.27, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Physician Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present and potentially growing, but not saturated. The presence of more PAs per capita than the national average indicates a solid, established need for these professionals within the local healthcare system.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Physician Assistants Salary | $131,160↑ 8% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Physician Assistants Salary | $129,490↑ 6% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $134,540↑ 10% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $126,950↑ 4% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Physician Assistants Salary | $108,420↓ 11% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $121,800. This typically ranges from $95,780 for entry-level positions to $146,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 11.0% lower than the national median of $136,910.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Moderately so, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary of $121,800 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent. The slightly higher concentration of PAs suggests consistent demand.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($131,160) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton PA salary compare to the national average?
The average Physician Assistant salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is $121,800, which is approximately $15,000 less than the national average of $136,910.
What is the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC for Physician Assistants?
The cost of living index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that expenses for goods and services are comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Physician Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Location Quotient of 1.27 suggests a slightly higher concentration of Physician Assistants than the national average, indicating a stable and present demand for their services within the local healthcare sector.
How many Physician Assistants work in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
There are approximately 200 Physician Assistants employed in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metropolitan area, representing 1.285 jobs per 1,000 workers.
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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 1.285 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC