Physician Assistant Salary in Athens, OH: $123,207 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Athens, OH earns a median $123,207/year (≈ $59.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Athens's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $135,840 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a physician assistant in Athens, Ohio, is set at $123,207, a figure that reflects both local market dynamics and adjustments for regional cost of living. The salary range spans from $95,049 at the bottom 10% to $162,284 for the top 90%, indicating significant variance based on specialty and experience. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and take into account local economic factors, showcasing how surgical PAs, particularly those engaged in orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, tend to command higher wages compared to those in primary care settings. This gradient highlights the demand for specialized skills in the Athens job market, where compensation closely aligns with the complexity and urgency of care provided.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,049 | $45.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,311 | $53.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,207 | $59.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,747 | $69.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162,284 | $78.02 |
Median Salary Position
12.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, OH, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,235 (2026 est.). At $123,207, the local median is 12.24% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Athens Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Athens median: $123,207/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $132,766 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | -12.24% less |
Physician Assistants in Athens, OH earn a median of $123,207 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.24% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $132,766.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A physician assistant earning $123,207 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,840 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,519
2025 BLS Actual
$119,248
2026 Current Est.
$123,207
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,105 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,671 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,248 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,207 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,298 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $98,519 (2019) to $119,248 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,298 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,779 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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) | $95,049 – $111,311 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,311 – $123,207 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,207 – $144,747 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,747 – $162,284 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Athens
As of 2026, Athens is home to a small group of five employed physician assistants, enriching the local healthcare ecosystem yet also signaling a competitive job market. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, the purchasing power for salaries in Athens is slightly below the national average, emphasizing the importance for PAs to consider both salary and lifestyle. High-paying positions are generally found within local hospital systems and specialty practices that focus on surgical services, while emergency departments and urgent care centers also offer competitive pay. The differences in earnings can stem from various factors, including first-assist case volume, call coverage requirements, and RVU productivity bonuses, particularly in hospital versus private practice environments. To maximize earning potential, new graduates or current PAs may consider seeking opportunities in higher-paying specialty areas, negotiating for productivity incentives, or exploring locum tenens roles that offer flexibility and often higher hourly rates.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Athens, OH in 2026?
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Career Resources
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 $119,248 for physician assistantsin the Athens 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 Athens 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