Physician Assistant Salary in Potomac, MD: $148,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Potomac, MD earns a median $148,815/year (≈ $71.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Potomac's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $136,153 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physician assistant salaries in Potomac, Maryland, are estimated to reach a median of $148,815, slightly above the national median of $140,391, indicating robust compensation for this profession. With a salary range from $106,424 at the 10th percentile to $205,572 at the 90th percentile, these figures highlight a significant disparity based on experience, specialty, and employment settings. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments suggest that the financial landscape for physician assistants in Potomac reflects a growing market where surgical PAs, particularly in orthopedic and cardiothoracic roles that utilize the first-assist billing model, can expect higher compensations. This competitive salary framework also mirrors the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the area.
About the Potomac Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,424 | $51.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $137,964 | $66.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,815 | $71.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,949 | $86.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $205,572 | $98.84 |
Median Salary Position
6.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Potomac
In Potomac, MD, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,148 (2026 est.). At $148,815, the local median is 6% above the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Potomac: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Potomac Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Potomac median: $148,815/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Potomac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $153,417 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | +6.00% more |
Physician Assistants in Potomac, MD earn a median of $148,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.00% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 3.00% below the Maryland state average of $153,417.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Potomac has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Potomac, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,815 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,153 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,996
2025 BLS Actual
$144,033
2026 Current Est.
$148,815
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Potomac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,996 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,314 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,822 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,821 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,033 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,756 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Potomac metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $118,996 (2019) to $144,033 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $153,756 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,760 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Potomac 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) | $106,424 – $137,964 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $137,964 – $148,815 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,815 – $179,949 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,949 – $205,572 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Potomac
As of 2026, Potomac employs approximately 11 physician assistants, revealing a niche yet resilient job market within the region. The cost-of-living index, sitting at 109.3, indicates that daily expenses are above the national average, which can impact the take-home purchasing power of PA salaries. Notably, surgical specialty practices are among the highest-paying employers, capitalizing on first-assist volume and RVU productivity bonuses. Conversely, primary care offices and urgent care facilities typically offer lower salaries. Factors driving the variability in earnings include the complexity of cases handled, willingness to take call coverage, and the choice between hospital employment versus 1099 contractual arrangements. To maximize earnings in the Potomac market, aspiring physician assistants should consider specializing in high-demand areas, pursuing additional certifications, and negotiating effectively for on-call duties or performance-based incentives.
More salary data for Potomac, MD:
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 $144,033 for physician assistantsin the Potomac 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 Potomac 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