Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $68.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physician assistant working in Independence, MO runs $68.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $143,117 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $76.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,876 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physician assistant hourly pay in Independence, MO is projected to be $68.81, slightly surpassing the national hourly median of $67.50. This favorable rate opens doors for part-time or per-diem roles, particularly appealing for those working in diverse settings such as operating rooms, emergency departments, and urgent care facilities. Hourly earnings can range from $51.44 for entry-level positions to $101.63 for top earners, which reflects the varied experience levels and specializations within the PA profession. The potential for flexible schedules allows PAs to balance personal commitments while still capitalizing on strong pay in a medical landscape that values their contribution.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physician Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51.44 | $411.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.59 | $492.71 |
| Median (P50) | $68.81 | $550.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.98 | $655.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.63 | $813.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $68.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.81/hr, a physician assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $143,127 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,573. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,752.44 | $11,927 | $143,127 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,651.47 | $7,156 | $85,876 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,100.98 | $4,771 | $57,251 |
Compare PA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (Independence) | $68.81 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $143,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.94% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $140,173.
Physician Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.81/hr = $85,876/year (purchasing power: $95,844).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $143,127/year (purchasing power: $159,740).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physician assistants in Independence grew 21.0% from $55.02/hr (2019) to $66.60/hr (2025). At a 3.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.10/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 Independence 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 Independence
For physician assistants who opt for part-time work, such as a three-day workweek (approximately 24 hours), the financial outcomes can vary significantly compared to full-time roles. While these PAs may bring home a comfortable income, they might earn less annually than their full-time counterparts. Some agencies and locum opportunities present higher hourly rates, with locum PAs often billing between $75 to $130 per hour, and specific specialties, like orthopedic surgical PAs, commanding up to $1,800 daily for operating room coverage. In Independence, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer—whether in hospital systems offering W-2 benefits, surgical specialty practices, or 1099 night shifts. PAs often face a trade-off between higher hourly rates and benefits like health insurance, which can influence their negotiating strategies. Understanding the market dynamics and being aware of one's worth can significantly enhance their earning opportunities.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physician assistants in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time physician assistants make in Independence?
Are physician assistants in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physician assistant make per year in Independence?
Do physician assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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