Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $68.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Rochester, MN runs $68.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,900 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,141 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, Minnesota, the physician assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $68.22, slightly above the national median of $67.50. This competitive rate reflects the local demand for PAs in diverse healthcare settings, including operating rooms, hospital floors, and urgent care clinics. For part-time PAs working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a robust paycheck, while per-diem positions capitalize on flexibility, allowing practitioners to earn as they cover shifts in dynamic environments. The hourly earnings vary widely, from $65.31 for entry-level positions to as high as $87.17 for top-tier professionals, showcasing a range that accommodates both new entrants and experienced practitioners in the field.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65.31 | $522.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65.79 | $526.35 |
| Median (P50) | $68.22 | $545.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.17 | $697.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.17 | $697.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $68.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.22/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $141,902 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,867. With a cost-of-living index of 90.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,728.89 | $11,825 | $141,902 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,637.33 | $7,095 | $85,141 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,091.56 | $4,730 | $56,761 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Rochester) | $68.22 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $141,900 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.07% higher than the national median of $140,391.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.22/hr = $85,141/year (purchasing power: $93,746).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,902/year (purchasing power: $156,244).
CoL index: 90.821 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Rochester grew 14.5% from $57.65/hr (2019) to $66.03/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.49/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
For those considering part-time work as physician assistants in Rochester, the financial reality can be compelling. A 24-hour workweek translates to an annual income that, while lower than a full-time role, still provides a solid foundation for many. For example, per diem physician assistant pay in Rochester can vary significantly—those in locum roles potentially earn between $75 and $130 per hour, particularly in specialty areas such as orthopedics, where daily rates can reach upwards of $1,800 for surgical coverage. Hospital systems, urgent care facilities, and private practices offer different hourly rates, often influenced by whether the position is W-2 or 1099. Some PAs might choose jobs that offer lower hourly wages but include health benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation for hourly roles should focus on value-added conversations about scope and coverage, ensuring that PAs in Rochester are positioned to advocate not just for pay but for the overall packages that support their professional and personal needs.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time physician assistants make in Rochester?
Are physician assistants in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physician assistant make per year in Rochester?
Do physician assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Rochester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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