Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Altus, OK: $160,346 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Altus, OK — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $160,346/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Altus's price premium (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $180,367 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving a top-tier salary as a senior physician assistant in Altus, Oklahoma requires a combination of specialized skills and extensive experience. In 2026, those positioned at the 90th percentile can expect an impressive annual income of $160,346, while the 75th percentile earns around $135,171. This significant earning potential highlights the experience premium that exists within the sector, where the median salary stands at $118,328. To reach this upper echelon of compensation, PAs in Altus often need to pursue advanced certifications, establish expertise in high-demand specialties, and strategically seek employment with established healthcare systems or surgical practices that recognize and reward their value.
About the Altus Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Altus
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Altus earn between $135,171 and $160,346 per year (2026 est.). This $71,248 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Altus median of $118,328 sits 15.72% below the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Altus | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $118,328 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,171 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $160,346 | $196,597 |
In Altus, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 35.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Altus
Advanced Certifications in Oklahoma
OK physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $118,328 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Altus employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Altus command premium compensation, often reaching the $135,171–$160,346 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Altus 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 Altus 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 Oklahoma 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 Altus
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAltus ranks #18 of 27 Oklahoma cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $160,346).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Altus ($160,346) is 9.33% below the Oklahoma average P90 ($176,852).
2019 BLS Actual
$128,148
2025 BLS Actual
$155,194
2026 Current Est.
$160,346
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Altus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,148 | Actual |
| 2020 | $132,512 | Actual |
| 2021 | $134,265 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $155,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,346 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,670 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Altus saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $128,148 in 2019 to $155,194 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 $165,670 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Altus 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 Altus
In Altus, certain specialties are known to command premium compensation. Surgical physician assistants, particularly those focused on fields such as orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery, often achieve higher salaries due to their critical roles in operating rooms. Employment settings also influence pay scales; for example, those within hospital systems typically receive W-2 wages, while 1099 locum positions may offer variable pay structures that can drive higher earnings depending on hours worked and case volume. Moreover, growth opportunities abound, allowing experienced PAs to advance into roles such as lead PA or PA program faculty, which can come with pay increases commensurate with responsibilities. Notably, acquiring advanced credentials like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or a Certificate of Added Qualifications further distinguishes one in the job market, enhancing earning potential in a region where the cost of living remains below the national average.
More salary data for Altus, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Altus in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Altus?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Altus?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Altus?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Altus?
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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 $155,194 for physician assistants in the Altus 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 Altus 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