Boston vs Pittsfield: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Boston, MA and Pittsfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Pittsfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,138▲ | $142,189 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.74▲ | $68.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,385 | $114,148▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,270 | $132,828▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $178,341▲ | $168,670 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,447▲ | $169,341 |
| Total Employed | 3,550▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsfield.
The salary gap between Boston and Pittsfield is $4,949 (3.48%). Boston's median is +4.81% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $145,062,Pittsfield spans $55,193. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsfield ($149,506 effective) pays 10.01% more than Boston ($135,904 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,138/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,447)
- ✓Larger job market (3,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsfield if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,506)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Boston grew 26.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Pittsfield over the same period.
Boston, MA
$112,520 (2019) → $142,410 (2025)
Pittsfield, MA
$117,390 (2019) → $137,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Pittsfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Boston or Pittsfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Pittsfield?
Should I relocate from Boston to Pittsfield as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Boston vs Pittsfield?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov