Derby vs Olathe: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Derby, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Derby, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,842 | $128,052▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.50 | $61.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,614 | $95,988▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,575 | $114,807▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,850 | $152,774▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,497 | $184,691▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Derby.
The salary gap between Derby and Olathe is $2,210 (1.76%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Derby spans $76,883,Olathe spans $88,703. Olathe 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, Olathe ($140,871 effective) pays 1.76% more than Derby ($138,440 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Derby if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,052/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,691)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,871)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Derby grew 15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Derby, KS
$105,771 (2024) → $121,798 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$107,628 (2024) → $123,937 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Derby or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Derby and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Derby to Olathe as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Derby vs Olathe?
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