Physician Assistant Salary in Arvada, CO: $142,345 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Arvada, CO earns a median $142,345/year (≈ $68.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Arvada's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $135,567 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arvada, Colorado, the market for physician assistants reveals a competitive median annual salary of $142,345 in 2026, which presents a marginal increase of 1.39% over the national median of $140,391. Local estimates show an expansive salary range from $107,167 at the 10th percentile (P10) to a peak of $196,687 at the 90th percentile (P90). These figures are derived from the BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost of living considerations, reflecting Arvada's unique economic environment. As the demand for specialized services continues to grow, especially in surgical versus primary care settings, opportunities for higher compensation are more prevalent among roles that involve surgical first assist responsibilities, which greatly impact overall earning potential in the area.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,167 | $51.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $127,973 | $61.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,345 | $68.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,186 | $81.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,687 | $94.56 |
Median Salary Position
1.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arvada
In Arvada, CO, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $89,520 (2026 est.). At $142,345, the local median is 1.39% above the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arvada: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arvada Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Arvada median: $142,345/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arvada Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $139,009 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $140,391 | +1.39% more |
Physician Assistants in Arvada, CO earn a median of $142,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.39% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $139,009.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arvada has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arvada, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $142,345 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $135,567 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,822
2025 BLS Actual
$137,771
2026 Current Est.
$142,345
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,822 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,996 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,221 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,764 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,829 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,345 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,071 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arvada metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $113,822 (2019) to $137,771 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $147,071 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,249 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arvada 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) | $107,167 – $127,973 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $127,973 – $142,345 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,345 – $170,186 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,186 – $196,687 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Arvada
The local job market for physician assistants is fueled by 31 professionals employed in various settings across Arvada, where a cost-of-living index of 105 indicates a slightly higher than average living expense. This scenario can impact take-home pay, particularly for those working for employers such as surgical specialty practices and hospital systems. Arvada’s most lucrative positions tend to be found within orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, where first-assist case volume and productivity bonuses significantly enhance compensation. The spread between high and low salaries can often be attributed to factors such as specialty focus, call coverage, and the nature of employment, whether W-2 or 1099. For aspiring PAs or those already practicing, focusing on surgical specialties and negotiating based on productivity levels may yield better financial outcomes in the competitive Arvada market.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
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
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 $137,771 for physician assistantsin the Arvada 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 Arvada 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