Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Wilmington, DE: $102,963 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Wilmington, DE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $102,963 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilmington's local price level (BEA RPP 101.7 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $101,242 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,537) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physician assistants entering the workforce in Wilmington, Delaware can expect a starting salary around $102,963 in 2026, which sets a foundation for their early career earnings. This entry-level pay is quite a bit below the city's median annual salary of $142,537, indicating a significant growth potential as new graduates gain experience. Over the first few years, new PAs will likely progress through the salary range, with opportunities to reach the 25th percentile at $124,550 relatively quickly. Given Wilmington's demand for healthcare providers and the projected 3.32% annual growth rate, these new grads will find that the local market is favorable for advancing their careers.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilmington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
Entry-level physician assistants in Wilmington, DE typically start between $102,963 and $124,550 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,698 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,537 — 1.53% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Delaware of $90,000 represents just 87.41% of the starting physician assistant pay ($102,963/year) in Wilmington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ARC-PA accredited master's-level PA programs. Most PA programs run 27-30 months and include didactic and clinical rotation phases. Public in-state programs are the most affordable option; private programs in high-cost metros can approach $150k. Totals reflect tuition and program fees only; PANCE certification exam fees are separate.
PA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Wilmington
- 1Research the Wilmington market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $102,963 to $124,550, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physician assistant field — employers in DE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilmington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Wilmington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilmington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physician Assistant Compensation Range
The physician assistant wage spread in Wilmington is $90,698 ( 88.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $102,963, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,661.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,920
2025 BLS Actual
$99,654
2026 Current Est.
$102,963
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,911 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,155 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,518 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,328 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,654 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,963 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,381 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Wilmington, DE grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,920 in 2019 to $99,654 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $106,381. New graduates entering the Wilmington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physician assistant Career in Wilmington
Various healthcare facilities in Wilmington are strategic employers for new physician assistants. Primary care practices and urgent care facilities often embrace recent graduates, offering structured onboarding that allows for smooth transitions into practice. For those interested in specialties, surgical residency or fellowship programs frequently recruit through these pipelines. Entry-level credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA certification, state licensure, and DEA registration are essential for enhancing starting pay in DE. In the first few years, efficiency in building collaborative relationships with supervising physicians under state laws will further influence earning potential. It's important for new PAs to align with their supervisory practices, especially in surgical settings where compensation can peak. Realistically, one can anticipate steady salary growth while establishing a strong career foundation over the initial years of service within Wilmington’s healthcare community.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Wilmington in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physician assistant graduates. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Wilmington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilmington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
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