Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Waukesha, WI: $101,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Waukesha, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $101,043 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waukesha's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $108,183 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,282) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physician assistant profession in Waukesha can expect starting salaries around $101,043, which represents a noticeable entry-level figure compared to the city's median annual salary of $141,282. This gap indicates a welcoming market for new grad physician assistant pay in WI, allowing for growth opportunities as experience is gained. Over the course of the first few years, entry-level PAs can anticipate salary progression reaching up to $122,694 at the 25th percentile. Thus, the trajectory appears promising for early-career PAs, making Waukesha a favorable location to launch a career in healthcare. With a growth rate of 3.32% projected annually, new grads can enter the workforce with realistic expectations for salary increases as they adapt and develop their skills.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waukesha
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 Waukesha
Entry-level physician assistants in Waukesha, WI typically start between $101,043 and $122,694 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,009 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,282 — 0.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Wisconsin of $78,000 represents just 77.19% of the starting physician assistant pay ($101,043/year) in Waukesha. 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 Waukesha
- 1Research the Waukesha market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $101,043 to $122,694, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Waukesha, 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 Waukesha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waukesha's below-average 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 Waukesha is $90,009 ( 89.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $101,043, experienced hygienists can earn up to $191,052.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,561
2025 BLS Actual
$97,796
2026 Current Est.
$101,043
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,561 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,477 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,698 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,484 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,905 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,796 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,397 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Waukesha, WI grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,561 in 2019 to $97,796 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $104,397. New graduates entering the Waukesha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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 Waukesha
Employers in Waukesha that actively hire entry-level physician assistants include primary care practices and urgent care facilities, which often implement structured onboarding programs designed to ease new graduates into their roles. Additionally, surgical subspecialties frequently seek new grads through residency or fellowship pipelines, while hospital medicine groups may offer flexible night-only schedules that appeal to those just starting their careers. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, it's essential for entry-level PAs to hold a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and obtain national certification through NCCPA, along with necessary state licensing and DEA registration. As early-career PAs navigate their first 1-3 years, focusing on collaboration with supervising physicians is vital, especially since statewide practice laws dictate PA responsibilities. Opportunities in specialized fields, such as orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, tend to yield higher compensation due to the first-assist billing system, further illustrating the potential for realistic salary growth in this vibrant job market.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
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 Waukesha. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukesha 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