Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Hastings, NE: $167,174 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Hastings, NE — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $167,174/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Hastings's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $182,704 in average-cost America. The 33% 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 assistants in Hastings, Nebraska, have the potential to earn significantly, with the top 10% achieving an impressive salary of $167,174. This figure reflects the advanced skills and extensive experience accumulated over years in the field, which allow these professionals to command salaries that are essential in attracting top talent to the healthcare sector. The median annual salary for experienced physician assistants in this area is projected to be $125,327, illustrating a substantial gap between this baseline and the earnings of top-tier professionals. To reach these elevated pay scales, PAs typically engage in specialized medical practices and pursue ongoing education and certifications, enhancing their clinical competencies and operational roles in diverse healthcare settings that further boost earning potential.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hastings earn between $147,638 and $167,174 per year (2026 est.). This $76,175 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hastings median of $125,327 sits 10.73% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hastings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $125,327 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,638 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $167,174 | $196,597 |
In Hastings, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 33.39% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Hastings
Advanced Certifications in Nebraska
NE physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $125,327 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hastings employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Hastings command premium compensation, often reaching the $147,638–$167,174 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hastings 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 Hastings 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 Nebraska 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 Hastings
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHastings ranks #7 of 13 Nebraska cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $167,174).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Hastings ($167,174) is 2.71% below the Nebraska average P90 ($171,835).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,605
2025 BLS Actual
$161,802
2026 Current Est.
$167,174
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,605 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,154 | Actual |
| 2021 | $139,982 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,959 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,229 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,128 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,802 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $167,174 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,724 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Hastings saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $133,605 in 2019 to $161,802 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 $172,724 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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 Hastings
Senior physician assistants in Hastings often find that their specialization significantly impacts their compensation. Areas such as surgical orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and emergency medicine frequently command higher salaries, making them prime targets for experienced professionals seeking substantial financial rewards. Compensation also varies with employer types; those positioned within hospital systems generally receive stable W-2 income, while surgical practices and locum tenens positions offer alternative reward structures, such as productivity bonuses or increased hourly rates. Alongside ongoing clinical practice, leadership pathways such as becoming a lead PA or engaging in academic roles with PA programs and residency training will further enhance one’s standing and earning potential. Furthermore, pursuing credentials like the NCCPA national certification and specialized additional qualifications amplifies their value within the state’s healthcare landscape, creating numerous avenues for salary growth and professional recognition.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Hastings in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Hastings?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Hastings?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Hastings?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Hastings?
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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 $161,802 for physician assistants in the Hastings 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 Hastings 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