Senior Physician Assistant Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $190,900 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in West Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $190,900/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back West Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $211,173 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior physician assistant pay in West Des Moines, Iowa, highlights a significant earning potential, particularly for those at the top of the salary range. The projected top-tier compensation for experienced professionals could reach as high as $190,900, with the 75th percentile offering $165,597, showcasing a notable divergence from the median annual salary of $136,487. This experience premium emphasizes how making strides in specialization, advanced certification, and leadership positions can result in substantial financial rewards. Achieving top physician assistant salary in West Des Moines often requires focused career moves, such as adopting niche specialties or transitioning into roles that involve both clinical practice and administrative responsibilities.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in West Des Moines earn between $165,597 and $190,900 per year (2026 est.). This $87,941 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The West Des Moines median of $136,487 sits 2.78% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | West Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,487 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,597 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $190,900 | $196,597 |
In West Des Moines, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 39.87% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in West Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $136,487 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by West Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in West Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $165,597–$190,900 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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 Iowa 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 West Des Moines
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWest Des Moines ranks #6 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $190,900).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in West Des Moines ($190,900) is 1.82% above the Iowa average P90 ($187,495).
2019 BLS Actual
$152,567
2025 BLS Actual
$184,766
2026 Current Est.
$190,900
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $152,567 | Actual |
| 2020 | $157,762 | Actual |
| 2021 | $159,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,248 | Actual |
| 2023 | $165,841 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,349 | Actual |
| 2025 | $184,766 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,900 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,238 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in West Des Moines saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $152,567 in 2019 to $184,766 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 $197,238 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines
When considering how compensation is structured for experienced physician assistants in 2026, various factors come into play, particularly in light of specialization. Surgical physician assistants, especially in cardiothoracic and orthopedic settings, tend to command higher salaries due to the complexities associated with first-assist roles, which enhance their billing capabilities. Differences in employer types further influence senior-level earnings; while hospital systems offer structured W-2 positions with benefits, private practices and urgent care settings may operate under 1099 contracts that could yield higher take-home pay based on productivity. As experienced PAs contemplate career advancement, transitioning into roles like chief PA or faculty positions for PA programs can provide both professional fulfillment and increased compensation. Additionally, pursuing advanced credentials like the Certificate of Added Qualifications aligns well with the state’s push for high standards in patient care, ultimately raising earning potential in the long term.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in West Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in West Des Moines?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in West Des Moines?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in West Des Moines?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in West Des Moines?
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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 $184,766 for physician assistants in the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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