Physician Assistant Salary in Maricopa, AZ: $140,306 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Maricopa, AZ earns a median $140,306/year (≈ $67.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Maricopa's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $142,443 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physician assistants in Maricopa, Arizona, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $140,306, which aligns closely with the national median of $140,391. Salaries in the area can vary significantly, ranging from $102,734 at the low end (P10) to as high as $192,539 for those in the upper tier (P90). These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account regional cost adjustments, reflecting Maricopa’s unique economic context. The choice between W-2 positions in hospital settings and 1099 roles in surgical specialty practices influences compensation structures, with surgical PAs typically commanding higher pay due to their specialized skills and the nature of their work.
About the Maricopa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,734 | $49.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,745 | $59.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,306 | $67.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,901 | $80.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,539 | $92.56 |
Median Salary Position
0.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maricopa
In Maricopa, AZ, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $89,805 (2026 est.). At $140,306, the local median is 0.06% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Maricopa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Maricopa Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Maricopa median: $140,306/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maricopa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $138,369 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $140,391 | -0.06% less |
Physician Assistants in Maricopa, AZ earn a median of $140,306 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 1.40% above the Arizona state average of $138,369.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maricopa has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Maricopa, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physician assistant earning $140,306 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,443 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$112,192
2025 BLS Actual
$135,798
2026 Current Est.
$140,306
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Maricopa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,192 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,457 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,934 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,798 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,306 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,965 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maricopa metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $112,192 (2019) to $135,798 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,965 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,773 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maricopa 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $102,734 – $123,745 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,745 – $140,306 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,306 – $167,901 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,901 – $192,539 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Maricopa
Analyzing the local job market reveals that Maricopa currently employs only 10 physician assistants, which may contribute to the competitiveness of salaries. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, the purchasing power for PAs here is slightly below the national average, affecting overall take-home earnings. Among various employers, hospital systems generally offer the most stability and benefits, while surgical specialty clinics tend to provide the highest pay due to the demanding skill sets required for certain procedures. Factors that impact salary variation include the specialty of practice, case volume, and compensation structures like RVU productivity bonuses. For those considering a career in this area, leveraging additional certifications, seeking positions in high-demand specialties, or exploring opportunities with locum tenens agencies could maximize compensation potential.
More salary data for Maricopa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Maricopa, AZ in 2026?
Is Maricopa, AZ a good place to work as a physician assistant?
Can physician assistants make $100K in Maricopa?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physician assistant salary in Maricopa?
How much does a physician assistant make per hour in Maricopa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $135,798 for physician assistantsin the Maricopa metropolitan area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maricopa 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