Physician Assistant Salary in Fairfax, VA: $124,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Fairfax, VA earns a median $124,710/year (≈ $59.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $120,843 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physician assistants in Fairfax, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $124,710 in 2026, reflecting local market conditions where W-2 positions in hospital systems often offer more stability compared to 1099 roles in surgical practices. With a salary range from $94,986 at the bottom (P10) to as high as $163,513 (P90), the compensation for PAs in this area is indicative of the demand for healthcare professionals in a growing urban setting. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, which allows for a more accurate picture of physician assistant pay in Fairfax VA. The distinct job structure in the area contributes to a competitive landscape for PAs, highlighting the importance of specialty and practice type in shaping earnings potential.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,986 | $45.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,175 | $53.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,710 | $59.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,049 | $70.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,513 | $78.62 |
Median Salary Position
11.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,527 (2026 est.). At $124,710, the local median is 11.17% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $124,710/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $130,587 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | -11.17% less |
Physician Assistants in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $124,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.17% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $130,587.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,710 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,843 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,721
2025 BLS Actual
$120,703
2026 Current Est.
$124,710
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,721 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,502 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,935 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,498 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,703 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,851 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $99,721 (2019) to $120,703 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,851 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,130 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $94,986 – $112,175 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,175 – $124,710 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,710 – $146,049 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,049 – $163,513 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Fairfax
The job market for physician assistants in Fairfax remains relatively small, with only four employed currently in the area, yet the competitive market dynamics lead to significant variances in pay. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, meaning that while salaries may be lower than the national median, they might not stretch as far due to local expenses. Employers such as major hospital systems tend to provide notable pay for full-time positions, especially those with specialties such as orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to several factors: specialty focus, the volume of first-assist cases, call coverage obligations, and the potential for incentive-based pay in hospital roles. To maximize earnings, aspiring PAs should consider engaging in high-demand specialties, seeking attentive mentorship, and exploring employment options within diverse healthcare settings.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
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 $120,703 for physician assistantsin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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