Average Physician Assistants Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Physician Assistants in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $121,310. This figure is notably below the national average of $136,910, reflecting the unique economic landscape and potentially lower demand or different healthcare infrastructure prevalent in nonmetropolitan regions. The specific compensation in this area is influenced by factors such as local healthcare needs, the presence of larger medical centers, and the overall economic conditions of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $121,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $156,000.
- Outlook: The job market for Physician Assistants in Western North Carolina appears stable, with a total local workforce of 280 individuals. The location quotient of 1.1 suggests a slightly higher concentration of PAs compared to the national average, indicating a steady, albeit not overwhelmingly robust, demand for these professionals in the area. This concentration implies that while the role is established, the market is not saturated, offering consistent opportunities for qualified PAs.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-11.4%below the national average.
$58.3
$2,333
$10,109
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in Physician Assistant salaries over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, an aging population, and the expanding scope of practice for PAs likely contribute to salary growth, even in more rural settings. This suggests a positive trajectory for compensation in the region.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Physician Assistants in Western North Carolina, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience. Entry-level PAs will likely earn at the lower end of the spectrum, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, approaching or even exceeding the national average. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries represents the career progression and increased value that experienced PAs bring to healthcare systems.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $94,370 | $45.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $90,983 | $43.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $124,930 | $60.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $151,638 | $72.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $156,000 | $75 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$121,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$121,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $121,310 in Western North Carolina aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a PA's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable standard of living to that experienced by PAs in higher-cost metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
1.109
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physician Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.1, Western North Carolina demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Physician Assistants than the national average. This indicates a healthy presence and demand for PAs in the region, suggesting that the job market is relatively competitive but also offers a good number of opportunities. The slightly above-average concentration implies that local healthcare facilities actively recruit and retain PAs, making it a viable market for those seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $126,150↑ 4% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $129,800↑ 7% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $119,470↓ 2% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $134,540↑ 11% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Physician Assistants Salary | $128,460↑ 6% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $121,310. This typically ranges from $94,370 for entry-level positions to $156,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 11.4% lower than the national median of $136,910.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, with a comparable standard of living.While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The location quotient suggests a stable demand for the role.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($126,150) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the average PA salary in Western North Carolina compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physician Assistants in Western North Carolina is $121,310, which is lower than the national average of $136,910.
What is the cost of living in Western North Carolina compared to the national average?
The cost of living index in Western North Carolina is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.
Is there high demand for Physician Assistants in this region?
The location quotient of 1.1 suggests a slightly higher concentration of Physician Assistants than the national average, indicating a steady demand for these professionals in the area.
How many Physician Assistants work in Western North Carolina?
There are approximately 280 Physician Assistants employed in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.109 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area