Denver vs Thornton: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Denver, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,007 | $141,199▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.83 | $67.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,065▲ | $97,463 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,167▲ | $120,246 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,161 | $176,195▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,420 | $206,788▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,650▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Thornton is $2,192 (1.58%). Thornton's median is +0.58% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $72,355,Thornton spans $109,325. Thornton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Thornton ($134,475 effective) pays 2.33% more than Denver ($131,409 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,199/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,788)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,475)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Denver grew 29.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Denver, CO
$104,190 (2019) → $134,540 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$136,510 (2024) → $136,662 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Denver or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Denver to Thornton as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Denver vs Thornton?
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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