Average Physician Assistants Salary in North Carolina
Physician Assistants in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $127,820. 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 state's healthcare sector. The cost of living also plays a role in how this salary translates to purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $127,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $161,480.
- Outlook: North Carolina boasts a robust job market for Physician Assistants, with a total local workforce of 8,520 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.72 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand for PAs within the state's healthcare infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in North Carolina earns-6.6%below the national average.
$61.5
$2,458
$10,652
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the demand for Physician Assistants in North Carolina has seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This sustained demand, coupled with evolving healthcare needs, likely translates to a positive trajectory for salary increases within the state.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Physician Assistants in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $99,460 | $47.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $95,865 | $46.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $128,540 | $61.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $159,775 | $76.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $161,480 | $77.6 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$127,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$134,689
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average Physician Assistant salary of $127,820 in North Carolina is quite favorable when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of the salary is effectively higher than the nominal figure suggests, allowing for a comfortable standard of living relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
8,520
Total Jobs
1.74
Per 1K Jobs
1.72
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 1.7x 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 1.72, North Carolina presents a market with a notably higher concentration of Physician Assistants than the national average. This suggests a strong demand and a well-established presence of PA roles within the state's healthcare system, making it a potentially attractive location for both new and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $126,150↓ 1% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $129,800↑ 2% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $119,470↓ 7% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $134,540↑ 5% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $128,460↑ 1% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in North Carolina is $127,820. This typically ranges from $99,460 for entry-level positions to $161,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 6.6% lower than the national median of $136,910.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, North Carolina offers a lucrative environment for Physician Assistants.The average salary of $127,820, combined with a cost of living below the national average, provides strong earning potential. Furthermore, a high concentration of PA roles indicates robust demand.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($126,150) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does North Carolina's PA salary compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in North Carolina earn an average of $127,820 annually, which is approximately $9,000 less than the national average of $136,910.
What is the concentration of Physician Assistants in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a Location Quotient of 1.72 for Physician Assistants, indicating that the state has 72% more PAs per worker than the national average, signifying a high demand.
How does the cost of living affect a PA's salary in North Carolina?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9, North Carolina is more affordable than the national average. This means the $127,820 salary has greater purchasing power than it might in a higher cost-of-living state.
What is the total number of Physician Assistants employed in North Carolina?
There are approximately 8,520 Physician Assistants employed in North Carolina, reflecting a significant workforce in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,520 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 1.74 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 North Carolina