Physician Assistant Salary in Suffolk, VA: $128,437 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Suffolk, VA earns a median $128,437/year (≈ $61.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $124,454 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, the 2026 median annual salary for physician assistants is projected to be $128,437. This figure highlights a competitive market for PAs, especially when considering the full salary range that spans from $98,136 at the 10th percentile to $185,889 at the 90th. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate that the local compensation is slightly below the national median of $140,391 for the same year. This variance may reflect the structural differences between employment settings, particularly the choice of working in a hospital system (W-2) versus a 1099 surgical practice. Suffolk’s healthcare market shows promise, particularly for PAs specializing in highly demanded fields.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,136 | $47.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $116,248 | $55.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,437 | $61.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $151,872 | $73.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,889 | $89.37 |
Median Salary Position
8.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,753 (2026 est.). At $128,437, the local median is 8.51% below the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $128,437/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $130,658 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | -8.51% less |
Physician Assistants in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $128,437 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.51% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $130,658.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $128,437 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,454 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,701
2025 BLS Actual
$124,310
2026 Current Est.
$128,437
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,701 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,182 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,280 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,949 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,881 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,437 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,701 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $102,701 (2019) to $124,310 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,701 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,000 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $98,136 – $116,248 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $116,248 – $128,437 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,437 – $151,872 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $151,872 – $185,889 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Suffolk
Currently, Suffolk employs 15 physician assistants, illustrating a concentrated but potentially steady job market. With a cost of living index slightly above the national average at 103.2, the take-home purchasing power for PAs may be affected, making it crucial for prospective candidates to understand the local compensation dynamics. Surgical specialty practices and hospital systems typically offer the highest salaries, while primary care and urgent care settings may lag behind. Factors influencing pay disparities include the complexity of cases handled, call coverage responsibilities, and variations in productivity models. To optimize income in Suffolk, PAs should consider pursuing roles within surgical environments or opting for positions that offer RVU productivity bonuses. As demand for trained and credentialed providers continues to grow, understanding these nuances will be essential for maximizing physician assistant pay in Suffolk, VA.
More salary data for Suffolk, 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 $124,310 for physician assistantsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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