Average Physician Assistants Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is a highly lucrative market for Physician Assistantss. With an average annual salary of $152,410, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $152,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $216,640.
- Outlook: This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns+11.3%above the national average.
$73.3
$2,931
$12,701
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Physician Assistants salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have shown healthy growth of 16.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Physician Assistantss in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $121,340, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $216,640.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $121,340 | $58.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $114,308 | $55 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $154,540 | $74.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $190,513 | $91.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $216,640 | $104.2 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$152,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$152,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $152,410 to $152,410.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $198,370↑ 30% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $206,750↑ 36% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $167,710↑ 10% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $168,170↑ 10% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $173,400↑ 14% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Physician Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $152,410. This typically ranges from $121,340 for entry-level positions to $216,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 11.3% higher than the national median of $136,910.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Physician Assistantss?
Yes, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is financially attractive for Physician Assistantss. The average salary of $152,410 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($198,370) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA