Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Hurst, TX: $96,044 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $96,044 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $100,046 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,464) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hurst, TX, new graduates embarking on their careers as physician assistants can expect a starting salary of around $96,044 in 2026. While this entry-level pay is lower than the median salary of $133,464 for all PAs in the area, it sets a solid foundation for early career growth. Entry-level positions present an opportunity for recent graduates to hone their skills and experience a growth trajectory that can lead up to $124,070 at the 25th percentile within just a few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.32%, the Hurst market remains favorable for aspiring PAs, making it a worthwhile location to launch a career in healthcare.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level physician assistants in Hurst, TX typically start between $96,044 and $124,070 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,968 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,464 — 4.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Texas of $70,000 represents just 72.88% of the starting physician assistant pay ($96,044/year) in Hurst. 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 Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $96,044 to $124,070, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst'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 Hurst is $80,968 ( 84.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $96,044, experienced hygienists can earn up to $177,012.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,021
2025 BLS Actual
$92,958
2026 Current Est.
$96,044
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,021 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,744 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,903 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,705 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,916 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,958 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,044 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,233 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,021 in 2019 to $92,958 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $99,233. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
To enhance starting pay, new grad physician assistants should focus on securing positions with hospitals, primary care facilities, and urgent care centers, as these employers often have structured onboarding programs designed for recent graduates. Surgical specialties typically require more experience or fellowship training but tend to offer higher compensation, particularly if one aims for roles in orthopedics or cardiovascular surgery. Having credentials like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA certification (PA-C) significantly strengthens job prospects and earning potential. Early-career PAs should aim to collaborate closely with supervising physicians to understand the scope of practice and optimize their roles under state law. In this evolving healthcare environment shaped by the Optimal Team Practice model, one can expect realistic salary growth, especially for those pursuing subspecialties and additional training, which can further elevate their market value in Hurst and beyond.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Hurst 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 Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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