Average Physician Assistants Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Physician Assistants in Raleigh-Cary, NC, earn an average annual salary of $124,800. This figure is slightly below the national average of $136,910, a common occurrence in areas with a balanced cost of living. Local market dynamics and demand, rather than cost pressures, appear to be the primary drivers of compensation in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $124,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $158,620.
- Outlook: The Raleigh-Cary, NC metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of approximately 1,300 Physician Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.79, the concentration of these professionals significantly exceeds the national average, indicating strong regional demand and a well-established presence within the local healthcare ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Raleigh-Cary, NC earns-8.8%below the national average.
$60
$2,400
$10,400
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Physician Assistant salaries in Raleigh-Cary have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in medical technology, and a growing patient population likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Raleigh-Cary, NC
Career progression for Physician Assistants in Raleigh-Cary, NC, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level PAs may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a significant salary scale that rewards expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $89,010 | $42.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $93,600 | $45 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $125,710 | $60.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $156,000 | $75 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $158,620 | $76.3 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$124,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$124,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Physician Assistant salary of $124,800 in Raleigh-Cary, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power effectively, allowing PAs to maintain a standard of living comparable to the national benchmark without significant financial strain.
Job Market Context
1,300
Total Jobs
1.802
Per 1K Jobs
1.79
Location Quotient
Raleigh-Cary, NC has 1.8x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.79 for Physician Assistants in Raleigh-Cary, NC, signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, with a strong demand for skilled PAs relative to the overall workforce, offering ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced practitioners.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $128,460↑ 3% | 18 mi |
| Rocky Mount, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $115,360↓ 8% | 48 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $116,840↓ 6% | 49 mi |
| Burlington, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $119,470↓ 4% | 49 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $131,970↑ 6% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Raleigh-Cary, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $124,800. This typically ranges from $89,010 for entry-level positions to $158,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 8.8% lower than the national median of $136,910.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The high concentration of PAs indicates strong demand and opportunity.
Is Raleigh-Cary, NC a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Raleigh-Cary, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Raleigh-Cary, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($128,460) and Rocky Mount, NC.
How does the number of Physician Assistants in Raleigh-Cary compare to the national average?
Raleigh-Cary has a total local workforce of 1,300 Physician Assistants, and its Location Quotient of 1.79 indicates a concentration nearly double the national average, suggesting a higher prevalence of these roles in the region.
What is the job outlook for Physician Assistants in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The job outlook appears robust, evidenced by the Location Quotient of 1.79 and 1.802 jobs per 1,000 workers, both significantly above national averages, pointing to strong demand and a healthy job market.
How does experience affect Physician Assistant salaries in Raleigh-Cary?
Experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level Physician Assistants earning less, while senior PAs with specialized skills and years of practice command higher salaries, typically found in the upper salary percentiles.
Is the salary for Physician Assistants in Raleigh-Cary sufficient given the cost of living?
Yes, the average salary of $124,800 is well-suited to the Cost of Living Index of 100 (national average), meaning your earnings will have comparable purchasing power to the national standard.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,300 employees in the Raleigh-Cary, NC area with a job density of 1.802 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 Raleigh-Cary, NC