Average Physician Assistants Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Physician Assistants in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $167,710, significantly exceeding the national average of $136,910. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's robust economy and the specialized skill set required for healthcare professionals in a major metropolitan hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $167,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $220,310.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,980 Physician Assistants and a Location Quotient of 0.82, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area demonstrates a solid, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of these professionals. The presence of nearly 2,000 PAs indicates a substantial demand and a well-established presence within the healthcare sector, suggesting a stable job market for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+22.5%above the national average.
$80.6
$3,225
$13,976
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physician Assistants in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in medical technology, and ongoing demand for skilled PAs likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory in this dynamic market.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Career progression for Physician Assistants in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level PAs can expect compensation towards the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value to healthcare institutions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $103,650 | $49.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $125,783 | $60.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $167,090 | $80.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $209,638 | $100.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $220,310 | $105.9 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$167,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$167,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $167,710 for Physician Assistants in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This indicates that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, meaning the higher wages effectively offset the cost of living in this expensive region.
Job Market Context
1,980
Total Jobs
0.823
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has 0.82x 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 0.82 suggests that Physician Assistants are slightly less concentrated in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area compared to the national average. This indicates a competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike. The job market is robust, with 0.823 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $173,400↑ 3% | 27 mi |
| Napa, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $181,030↑ 8% | 38 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $198,370↑ 18% | 42 mi |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $168,160↑ 0% | 50 mi |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $152,410↓ 9% | 58 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $167,710. This typically ranges from $103,650 for entry-level positions to $220,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 22.5% higher than the national median of $136,910.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physician Assistants.The average salary of $167,710 is substantially higher than the national average, and it perfectly matches the local cost of living, ensuring strong purchasing power.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Vallejo, CA ($173,400) and Napa, CA.
How does the San Francisco Physician Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont earn an average of $167,710 annually, which is approximately $30,700 more than the national average of $136,910.
What is the concentration of Physician Assistants in the San Francisco area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.82, indicating that Physician Assistants are slightly less prevalent in this region compared to the national average.
Does the high salary in San Francisco reflect the cost of living?
Yes, the average salary of $167,710 aligns with the local Cost of Living Index of 100 (the national average), meaning the higher wages provide a comparable standard of living to the rest of the country.
How many Physician Assistants work in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area?
There are approximately 1,980 Physician Assistants employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,980 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.823 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 Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA