Roanoke vs Waynesboro: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Roanoke, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,453▲ | $124,101 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.53▲ | $59.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,674▲ | $93,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,927▲ | $110,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,418▲ | $142,077 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,205 | $168,668▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Waynesboro is $16,352 (13.18%). Roanoke's median is +0.04% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $58,531,Waynesboro spans $74,788. Waynesboro 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, Roanoke ($150,028 effective) pays 24.76% more than Waynesboro ($120,253 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,453/year)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,028)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,668)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Roanoke grew 35.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.3% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$100,160 (2019) → $135,940 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$125,496 (2024) → $120,113 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Roanoke or Waynesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Waynesboro?
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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