Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $107,491 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Dartmouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $107,491 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dartmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $99,070 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($148,581) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physician assistant field in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, can expect a starting salary of approximately $107,491 in 2026, which is a realistic entry-level figure for those just beginning their careers. While this initial salary seems significantly lower than the median annual salary of $148,581 for physician assistants in the area, there are paths for growth within the profession. In the first three to five years, it is feasible for new PAs to progress from the entry-level pay to around $129,492 as they gain experience and potentially increase their responsibilities. Given the projected salary growth and the relatively stable demand for healthcare professionals in the region, Dartmouth appears to be a solid market for fresh graduates in the medical field.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dartmouth
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 Dartmouth
Entry-level physician assistants in Dartmouth, MA typically start between $107,491 and $129,492 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,026 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $148,581 — 5.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 130.24% of the starting physician assistant pay ($107,491/year) in Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth
- 1Research the Dartmouth market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $107,491 to $129,492, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dartmouth, 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 Dartmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dartmouth'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 Dartmouth is $99,026 ( 92.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $107,491, experienced hygienists can earn up to $206,517.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,128
2025 BLS Actual
$104,037
2026 Current Est.
$107,491
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,128 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,294 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,592 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,748 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,323 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,037 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,491 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,060 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Dartmouth, MA grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $76,128 in 2019 to $104,037 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $111,060. New graduates entering the Dartmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
Opportunities for new graduates are often found in primary care and urgent care settings, where structured onboarding processes help facilitate a smoother transition into the workforce. These employers typically have the capacity to hire newly minted physician assistants eager to apply their knowledge and skills. Continuing education and obtaining credentials such as an NCCPA national certification (PA-C) and a state PA license can enhance starting pay for entry-level positions in Massachusetts. Additionally, aligning with specialties like surgical or orthopedic PAs, which can lead to higher compensation due to first-assist billing practices, is a strategic option for career advancement. Expect realistic salary growth over the first few years, especially in dynamic environments that emphasize collaborative team practices governed by state laws, as outlined in the Optimal Team Practice model adopted by many states since 2020. Leveraging resources from organizations like the AAPA can be invaluable for new PAs as they plan their career trajectory in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Dartmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dartmouth 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