Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Chandler, AZ: $202,260 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Chandler, AZ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $202,260/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Chandler's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $205,340 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for senior physician assistants in Chandler, AZ, reflect the value of experience and specialization within the healthcare field. In 2026, the median annual salary for these professionals is projected to be $140,095, but the potential for top earners is significantly higher, with the 90th percentile (P90) earning around $202,260. This creates a substantial gap between the median and the highest salaries, highlighting the experience premium that comes with advanced clinical roles or leadership positions. Achieving this level of compensation typically requires not only years of practice but also specialization in high-demand areas and possibly advanced certifications, which can set these skilled professionals apart in a competitive market.
About the Chandler Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chandler
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Chandler earn between $172,132 and $202,260 per year (2026 est.). This $108,032 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chandler median of $140,095 sits 0.21% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Chandler | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $140,095 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,132 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $202,260 | $196,597 |
In Chandler, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 44.37% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Chandler
Advanced Certifications in Arizona
AZ physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $140,095 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chandler employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Chandler command premium compensation, often reaching the $172,132–$202,260 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chandler metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Chandler with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in Arizona who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physician Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Chandler
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedChandler ranks #7 of 33 Arizona cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $202,260).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Chandler ($202,260) is 9.65% above the Arizona average P90 ($184,462).
2019 BLS Actual
$161,646
2025 BLS Actual
$195,761
2026 Current Est.
$202,260
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Chandler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $161,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $167,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $169,362 | Actual |
| 2022 | $172,963 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,255 | Actual |
| 2025 | $195,761 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $202,260 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $208,975 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Chandler saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $161,646 in 2019 to $195,761 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $208,975 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chandler 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.
Maximizing Your Physician Assistant Earnings in Chandler
When analyzing what contributes to senior physician assistant pay in Chandler, certain specialties command higher salaries, particularly in surgical settings such as orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as fields like emergency medicine and critical care. Senior compensation also varies depending on the type of employer, with hospital systems often offering structured salaries and benefits, while surgical specialty practices might provide additional incentives linked to case volume and first-assist billing. Leadership roles like lead PA or PA residency director can further enhance earning potential, as can advanced credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or a Certificate of Added Qualifications. Other compensation factors include the structure of employment, with differences in pay between W-2 salaried positions and 1099 locum opportunities. Senior physician assistants in Chandler can navigate these various avenues to maximize their earnings while contributing meaningfully to patient care within a collaborative healthcare environment.
More salary data for Chandler, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Chandler in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Chandler?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Chandler?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Chandler?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Chandler?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $195,761 for physician assistants in the Chandler metro area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chandler 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