Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Omaha, NE: $173,991 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Omaha, NE — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $173,991/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Omaha's price premium (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $189,304 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In the realm of experienced physician assistant salaries in Omaha, Nebraska, 2026 projections highlight a competitive landscape for seasoned professionals. The top earners in this sector can anticipate annual compensation reaching up to $173,991, showcasing a substantial premium for those who have honed their skills over time. With a median salary of $138,583 marking the typical earnings, the disparity between these figures illustrates the potential rewards for advanced expertise and specialization. Achieving such top-tier pay often requires dedicated focus in high-demand areas and a commitment to ongoing education and professional development.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Omaha
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Omaha earn between $153,017 and $173,991 per year (2026 est.). This $63,759 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Omaha median of $138,583 sits 1.29% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Omaha | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $138,583 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,017 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $173,991 | $196,597 |
In Omaha, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 25.55% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Omaha
Advanced Certifications in Nebraska
NE physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $138,583 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Omaha employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Omaha command premium compensation, often reaching the $153,017–$173,991 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Omaha metro area, which is a large PA employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Omaha with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive 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 Omaha
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOmaha ranks #3 of 13 Nebraska cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $173,991).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Omaha ($173,991) is 1.25% above the Nebraska average P90 ($171,835).
2019 BLS Actual
$141,980
2025 BLS Actual
$168,400
2026 Current Est.
$173,991
2019–2027 Growth
+26.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Omaha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $141,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $140,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $168,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $168,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $168,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $173,991 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $179,767 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Omaha saw their compensation grow 18.6% from $141,980 in 2019 to $168,400 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 $179,767 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Omaha 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 Omaha
Various specializations within the field can significantly influence senior physician assistant pay in NE. For instance, surgical PAs, particularly those in orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, frequently command higher wages due to their unique skill set and the complexities of their roles, with their contributions often billing at premium rates. Different employer types further complicate the salary picture at the senior level; working for large hospital systems typically offers a W-2 employment structure, while surgical specialty practices or emergency departments might confer enhanced pay opportunities as independent contractors. Leadership roles, such as becoming a chief PA or residency director, present viable advancement paths, enhancing both influence and compensation packages. Additionally, pursuing advanced credentials—like a Master's degree accredited by ARC-PA, NCCPA certification, or specialized qualifications in specific subspecialties—can augment earning potential. In Omaha's healthcare market, understanding these dynamics is essential for maximizing overall compensation, especially the impact of non-salary benefits like signing bonuses, incentives for first-assist case volume, and lucrative RVU productivity bonuses.
More salary data for Omaha, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Omaha in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Omaha?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Omaha?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Omaha?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Omaha?
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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 $168,400 for physician assistants in the Omaha 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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