Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $50.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Opelika, AL runs $50.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physician assistant hourly pay in Opelika, Alabama, is projected to reach $50.10, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $67.50. For those considering part-time or per diem roles—common among physician assistants working in busy environments such as operating rooms, emergency departments, and urgent care facilities—this hourly rate translates to varying earning potential. Entry-level positions may start around $39.62, while higher-paid roles can reach up to $68.81. The flexibility of these working arrangements allows PAs to adjust their schedules based on personal needs while still capitalizing on the demand for their support in various medical settings.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.62 | $316.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.19 | $369.55 |
| Median (P50) | $50.10 | $400.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.34 | $482.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.81 | $550.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $50.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.10/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $104,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,120. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,003.99 | $8,684 | $104,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,202.40 | $5,210 | $62,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $801.60 | $3,474 | $41,683 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Opelika) | $50.10 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.20 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Family Medicine Physician (National Avg) | $116.45 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.18 |
Physician Assistants in Opelika, AL earn a median of $104,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.77% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $107,875.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.10/hr = $62,525/year (purchasing power: $71,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,208/year (purchasing power: $118,553).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Opelika grew 21.0% from $40.06/hr (2019) to $48.49/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.76/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physician assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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.
Working as an Hourly Physician Assistant in Opelika
When examining the earning potential for part-time physician assistants working three days a week, which translates to around 24 hours, they could realize an annual income that reflects their reduced hours compared to full-time counterparts. Locum tenens and per-diem opportunities can yield even higher returns, with rates ranging from $75 to $130 per hour based on specialty, and some surgical PAs earning as much as $1,200 to $1,800 per day. In Opelika, physician assistants employed in hospital systems typically receive W-2 pay, while those in surgical practices, urgent care, or primary care settings may find a mix of W-2 and 1099 arrangements. This variety creates a trade-off for many; although they might accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize flexibility and higher hourly compensation that comes with fewer employee benefits. Those negotiating their physician assistant hourly rate in Opelika should consider market demand and their specific skill sets, as well as recognize the potential for lucrative per diem options that can significantly impact their overall income.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Opelika in 2026?
How much do part-time physician assistants make in Opelika?
Are physician assistants in Opelika paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physician assistants in Opelika. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Opelika 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