Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Utica, NY: $178,113 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Utica, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $178,113/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Utica's price premium (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $192,185 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Utica, New York, experienced physician assistants can anticipate substantial earnings, with the top 10% projected to make as much as $178,113 in 2026. This level of compensation positions them competitively when compared to national counterparts, highlighting a robust market for seasoned professionals. The median annual salary of $144,958 shows a notable difference from the earnings of top-tier PAs, reflecting the potential rewards that come with specialized skills and extensive experience. Achieving this elevated pay level often requires a combination of specialized training, networking, and a proven track record in high-demand areas, indicating that in a market like Utica, early career choices can significantly impact future salary trajectories.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Utica
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Utica earn between $159,133 and $178,113 per year (2026 est.). This $66,279 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Utica median of $144,958 sits 3.25% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Utica | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $144,958 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,133 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $178,113 | $196,597 |
In Utica, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 22.87% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Utica
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $144,958 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Utica employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Utica command premium compensation, often reaching the $159,133–$178,113 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Utica 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 Utica 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 New York 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 Utica
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedUtica ranks #24 of 39 New York cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $178,113).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Utica ($178,113) is 12.67% below the New York average P90 ($203,957).
2019 BLS Actual
$153,270
2025 BLS Actual
$172,390
2026 Current Est.
$178,113
2019–2027 Growth
+20.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $153,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $180,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $163,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $172,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,113 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $184,027 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Utica saw their compensation grow 12.5% from $153,270 in 2019 to $172,390 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 $184,027 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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 Utica
Compensation for senior physician assistants in Utica varies considerably depending on specialization and employment type. Surgical PAs in fields like orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery enjoy the highest compensation, frequently benefiting from first-assist billing in surgical settings. In contrast, those in primary care or urgent care may see lower salary figures overall. Compensation structures also differ; while hospital systems typically offer W-2 salaries with benefits, surgical practices, emergency departments, and 1099 locum positions may provide flexible earning potential but without benefits. Advanced credentials, including a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or a Certificate of Added Qualifications, can further enhance earning power. For many top earners, leadership opportunities, such as becoming a lead PA or a PA residency director, present ways to cultivate both professional advancement and financial reward in this vibrant NY market.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Utica in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Utica?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Utica?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Utica?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Utica?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 $172,390 for physician assistants in the Utica 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