Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Longview, WA: $112,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Longview, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $112,079 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longview's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $104,357 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($155,405) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a physician assistant in Longview, Washington, the starting salary is an important factor to evaluate. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to begin around $112,079. While this figure is considerably lower than the overall median annual salary of $155,405 in the city, it gives new graduates a realistic expectation as they enter the workforce. In the early stages of their careers, these PAs can anticipate growth in compensation, with potential earnings reaching $135,666 after reaching the 25th percentile within a few years, and possibly up to the median as they gain experience. Given the projected growth rate of 3.32%, Longview presents a solid market for new graduates embarking on their journey in healthcare.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longview
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 Longview
Entry-level physician assistants in Longview, WA typically start between $112,079 and $135,666 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $104,670 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $155,405 — 10.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Washington of $100,000 represents just 89.22% of the starting physician assistant pay ($112,079/year) in Longview. 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 Longview
- 1Research the Longview market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $112,079 to $135,666, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Longview, 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 Longview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longview'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 Longview is $104,670 ( 93.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $112,079, experienced hygienists can earn up to $216,749.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$79,377
2025 BLS Actual
$108,478
2026 Current Est.
$112,079
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,377 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,722 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,075 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,494 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,179 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,801 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Longview, WA grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $79,377 in 2019 to $108,478 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $115,801. New graduates entering the Longview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
Employment opportunities for new grad physician assistants in Longview generally come from primary care and urgent care settings, which often offer structured onboarding programs that are conducive to learning and professional development. Additionally, while surgical specialties may require completion of residency or fellowship programs, they also provide some of the highest compensation packages in the field. New graduates are encouraged to obtain their Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, pass the NCCPA national certification exam, and secure a Washington state PA license and DEA registration, as these credentials will boost their starting pay. In the first three years, those who choose to specialize in orthopedics, cardiovascular surgery, or other surgical areas tend to experience the best salary growth due to the lucrative first-assist billing opportunities. Understanding the landscape and dynamics of their chosen market will significantly enhance the earnings potential for new PAs in Longview, WA.
More salary data for Longview, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Longview in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Longview?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Longview?
What do new physician assistants make right out of school in Longview?
How do I become a physician assistant in Washington?
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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 Longview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longview 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