Physician Assistant Salary in Tahlequah, OK: $119,811 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Tahlequah, OK earns a median $119,811/year (≈ $57.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Tahlequah's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $134,771 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physician assistant salary in Tahlequah, OK, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $119,811, presenting a significant contrast to the national median of $140,391. Local estimates based on 2025 BLS data show a salary range that spans from $92,919 at the 10th percentile to $154,242 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect the unique dynamics of the local job market, particularly the structural choices that many physician assistants face between W-2 hospital positions and 1099 freelance opportunities in surgical practices. The decision often influences compensation levels, with surgical specialties generally offering higher pay. As the job market in Tahlequah develops, understanding these nuances can position PAs for success.
About the Tahlequah Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,919 | $44.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,598 | $52.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,811 | $57.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,092 | $67.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,242 | $74.15 |
Median Salary Position
14.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tahlequah
In Tahlequah, OK, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,323 (2026 est.). At $119,811, the local median is 14.66% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tahlequah: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tahlequah Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Tahlequah median: $119,811/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tahlequah Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $124,803 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | -14.66% less |
Physician Assistants in Tahlequah, OK earn a median of $119,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 4.00% below the Oklahoma state average of $124,803.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tahlequah has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tahlequah, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A physician assistant earning $119,811 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $134,771 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,804
2025 BLS Actual
$115,961
2026 Current Est.
$119,811
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Tahlequah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,804 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,475 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,715 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,538 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,811 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,789 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tahlequah metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $95,804 (2019) to $115,961 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,789 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,985 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tahlequah 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) | $92,919 – $108,598 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,598 – $119,811 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,811 – $141,092 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,092 – $154,242 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Tahlequah
Employment for physician assistants in Tahlequah includes just four professionals locally, reflecting a somewhat limited but stable job market. The cost of living index for the area is 88.9, which indicates a lower-than-average living expense compared to the national average, enhancing the take-home pay potential for those in the field. Within the local landscape, hospital systems usually provide the highest salaries, particularly for positions that involve specialty care in areas like dermatology and cardiothoracic surgery. The wage disparity in this market can often be attributed to various factors, including first-assist responsibilities, call coverage demands, and potential RVU productivity bonuses. For those looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on high-demand specialties and considering employment structures, such as W-2 versus private practice, can significantly impact overall compensation for physician assistant pay in Tahlequah, OK.
More salary data for Tahlequah, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physician assistants make $100K in Tahlequah?
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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 $115,961 for physician assistantsin the Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah 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