Physician Assistant Salary in Auburn, WA: $157,511 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Auburn, WA earns a median $157,511/year (≈ $75.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $146,658 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physician assistants in Auburn, Washington are projected to earn a median annual salary of $157,511 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $140,391. This competitive compensation reflects the first-assist billing model commonly utilized in surgical settings, which enhances earnings potential for PAs operating within surgical specialties. The salary range in Auburn varies widely, with figures estimated from $108,920 at the lower end (P10) to $223,785 for those at the highest end of the pay spectrum (P90). These estimates derive from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, illustrating the economic landscape that shapes physician assistant salaries in Auburn.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,920 | $52.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $140,114 | $67.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $157,511 | $75.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,071 | $92.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,785 | $107.59 |
Median Salary Position
12.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, WA, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,865 (2026 est.). At $157,511, the local median is 12.19% above the national median of $140,391.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Auburn median: $157,511/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $159,424 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $140,391 | +12.19% more |
Physician Assistants in Auburn, WA earn a median of $157,511 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% higher than the national median of $140,391 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $159,424.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $157,511 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,658 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,950
2025 BLS Actual
$152,450
2026 Current Est.
$157,511
2019–2027 Growth
+29.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,461 | Actual |
| 2021 | $136,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,376 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,875 | Actual |
| 2024 | $148,624 | Actual |
| 2025 | $152,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,511 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,741 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 21.0% from $125,950 (2019) to $152,450 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $162,741 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,791 (29.21%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $108,920 – $140,114 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $140,114 – $157,511 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $157,511 – $193,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,071 – $223,785 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Auburn
The job market for physician assistants in Auburn is robust, with 23 professionals currently employed in the area. While the cost of living index stands at 107.4, slightly above the national average, it subtly factors into overall take-home purchasing power. Surgical specialty practices, particularly in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, often offer the highest salaries, driven by case volume and the complexity of procedures. In contrast, primary care settings may provide lower compensation. Factors influencing the pay differential include call coverage, revenue generation through productivity bonuses, and whether the PA is employed within a hospital system or as a private practice contractor. For those aspiring to maximize their income in the Auburn market, focusing on high-demand specialties, seeking out lucrative first-assist opportunities, and strategically negotiating contracts can significantly enhance earning potential amidst the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
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 $152,450 for physician assistantsin the Auburn 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 Auburn 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