Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Alexandria, VA: $113,202 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Alexandria, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $113,202 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Alexandria's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $109,692 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($151,828) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the physician assistant field in Alexandria, VA in 2026, the starting pay presents intriguing opportunities. New graduates can expect to secure initial salaries around $113,202, significantly below the city's median annual salary of $151,828. Over the first few years, early-career PAs can anticipate steady growth; average earnings rise from the P10 level through to the 25th percentile ($135,777), creating a clear pathway towards the median as they gain experience. Alexandria’s job market remains promising for new graduates. The healthcare landscape continues to expand, creating demand for well-trained PAs ready to step into various roles.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Alexandria
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 Alexandria
Entry-level physician assistants in Alexandria, VA typically start between $113,202 and $135,777 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $104,790 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $151,828 — 8.15% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Virginia of $85,000 represents just 75.09% of the starting physician assistant pay ($113,202/year) in Alexandria. 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 Alexandria
- 1Research the Alexandria market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $113,202 to $135,777, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Alexandria'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 Alexandria is $104,790 ( 92.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $113,202, experienced hygienists can earn up to $217,992.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$80,172
2025 BLS Actual
$109,564
2026 Current Est.
$113,202
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,172 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,927 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,409 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,122 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,564 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,202 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,960 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Alexandria, VA grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $80,172 in 2019 to $109,564 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $116,960. New graduates entering the Alexandria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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 Alexandria
A variety of employers hire new grad physician assistants in Alexandria, with primary care and urgent care practices often featuring structured onboarding programs that cater specifically to entry-level hires. Surgical subspecialties may look for candidates completing PA residencies or fellowships, while hospital medicine groups typically offer night shifts, providing flexibility for those starting their careers. Credentials significantly enhance earning potential in VA; aspiring PAs should secure their master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited institution, obtain NCCPA certification, and maintain state licensure. In the first three years, salary growth is realistic as new PAs gain clinical expertise and navigate collaborative agreements governed by state law, potentially positioning themselves for higher-paying roles in surgical settings where billing for first-assistant services is common.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Alexandria in 2026?
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Is physician assistant school worth it in Alexandria?
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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 Alexandria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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