Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Minot, ND: $206,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Minot, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $206,681/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Minot's price premium (BEA RPP 87.0, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $237,488 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
For seasoned physician assistants in Minot, North Dakota, the potential for substantial earnings is significant, especially for those who have navigated advanced specializations or risen to leadership roles. In 2026, the median annual salary for experienced professionals is projected at $138,542, with top earners reaching as much as $206,681. This considerable salary range reflects the experience premium in the market, where the gap between median earnings and top-tier compensation is notable. To reach these high salary brackets, physician assistants should seek out opportunities in critical specialties, pursue advanced credentials, and possibly transition into leadership roles that demand higher levels of responsibility and expertise.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minot
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Minot earn between $157,046 and $206,681 per year (2026 est.). This $127,321 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Minot median of $138,542 sits 1.32% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Minot | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $138,542 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,046 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $206,681 | $196,597 |
In Minot, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 49.18% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Minot
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $138,542 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Minot employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Minot command premium compensation, often reaching the $157,046–$206,681 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Minot 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 Minot 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 North Dakota 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 Minot
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMinot ranks #1 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $206,681).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Minot ($206,681) is 6.86% above the North Dakota average P90 ($193,419).
2019 BLS Actual
$165,179
2025 BLS Actual
$200,040
2026 Current Est.
$206,681
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $165,179 | Actual |
| 2020 | $170,804 | Actual |
| 2021 | $173,064 | Actual |
| 2022 | $176,743 | Actual |
| 2023 | $179,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $200,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $206,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $213,543 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Minot saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $165,179 in 2019 to $200,040 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 $213,543 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minot 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 Minot
Analyzing the landscape of senior physician assistant pay in ND reveals that certain specialties command higher wage premiums, particularly those in surgical fields such as orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as roles in emergency medicine. Compensation can vary widely depending on the type of employer; for example, while hospital systems might provide stable W-2 positions with benefits, specialty practices may offer higher earnings through RVU productivity bonuses and greater first-assist case volumes. Moreover, advanced qualifications such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and NCCPA certification are essential in securing premium roles in Minot. Leadership positions, including surgical first assist coordinator or chief PA, often correlate with greater salary potential, while diverse compensation strategies encompassing non-salary benefits, such as flexible work hours or additional call coverage incentives, can further enhance overall remuneration for experienced physician assistants in the area.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Minot in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Minot?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Minot?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Minot?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Minot?
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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 $200,040 for physician assistants in the Minot 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, 2-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