Average Physician Assistants Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Physician Assistants in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $151,230, significantly surpassing the national average of $136,910. This elevated compensation is often driven by the region's robust healthcare sector and the specialized demand for advanced medical practitioners.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $151,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $213,880.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,100 Physician Assistants, the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA market demonstrates a stable presence in this vital healthcare profession. The Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number indicates a substantial and active job market for PAs.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA earns+10.5%above the national average.
$72.7
$2,908
$12,603
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physician Assistants in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demand, evolving scope of practice, and inflation likely contribute to this upward trajectory in compensation.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Career progression for Physician Assistants in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level PAs can expect salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while those with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or leadership roles will command significantly higher compensation, reflecting the value of their accumulated expertise and the widening percentile gaps in salary.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $95,870 | $46.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $113,423 | $54.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $153,530 | $73.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $189,038 | $90.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $213,880 | $102.8 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$151,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$151,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $151,230 in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary offers substantial purchasing power, allowing PAs to maintain a comparable standard of living to their national counterparts while enjoying the benefits of living in a desirable coastal metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
1,100
Total Jobs
0.716
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA has 0.71x 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 0.71 indicates that Physician Assistants are slightly less concentrated in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but perhaps not as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $160,850↑ 6% | 79 mi |
| El Centro, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $150,650↓ 0% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $151,230. This typically ranges from $95,870 for entry-level positions to $213,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 10.5% higher than the national median of $136,910.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is a lucrative location for Physician Assistants.The average salary of $151,230 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent earning potential.
Is San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($160,850) and El Centro, CA.
How does the San Diego PA salary compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA earn an average of $151,230 annually, which is $14,320 more than the national average of $136,910.
What is the cost of living impact on the San Diego PA salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $151,230 salary in San Diego offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially sound location.
How many Physician Assistants work in the San Diego area?
There are approximately 1,100 Physician Assistants employed in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Physician Assistants growing in San Diego?
While specific growth rates aren't detailed, the stable workforce size and a Location Quotient near the national average suggest a consistent demand for Physician Assistants in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,100 employees in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area with a job density of 0.716 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA