South Brunswick vs Trenton: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between South Brunswick, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | South Brunswick, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $158,454▲ | $143,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.18▲ | $68.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,160 | $127,982▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $139,224▲ | $136,444 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,040▲ | $167,564 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $222,427▲ | $195,130 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 140▲ |
Verdict
South Brunswick, NJ offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between South Brunswick and Trenton is $14,963 (10.43%). South Brunswick's median is +12.87% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in South Brunswick spans $106,267,Trenton spans $67,148. South Brunswick 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, Trenton ($139,069 effective) pays 1.11% more than South Brunswick ($137,547 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose South Brunswick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($158,454/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($222,427)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,069)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in South Brunswick grew -1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Trenton over the same period.
South Brunswick, NJ
$155,755 (2024) → $153,362 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$121,790 (2019) → $138,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
South Brunswick, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: South Brunswick or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between South Brunswick and Trenton?
Should I relocate from South Brunswick to Trenton as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in South Brunswick vs Trenton?
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