Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Alexandria, VA: $217,992 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Alexandria, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $217,992/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Alexandria's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $211,233 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior physician assistants in Alexandria, Virginia, have a promising earning potential, with a 2026 median annual salary reaching $151,828. However, for those who ascend into top-tier pay, figures can soar to approximately $217,992 for the P90 earners. This significant gap between the median and highest earners highlights the value of experience and specialization. Achieving such compensation typically requires advanced skill sets, including specialized training in high-demand areas such as surgical assistance or emergency medicine. Those in senior roles often command respect not just for their medical expertise but also for their leadership ability and strategic influence within healthcare teams.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Alexandria earn between $186,749 and $217,992 per year (2026 est.). This $104,790 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Alexandria median of $151,828 sits 8.15% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Alexandria | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $151,828 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,749 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $217,992 | $196,597 |
In Alexandria, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 43.58% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Alexandria
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $151,828 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Alexandria employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Alexandria command premium compensation, often reaching the $186,749–$217,992 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Virginia 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 Alexandria
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAlexandria ranks #1 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $217,992).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Alexandria ($217,992) is 22.02% above the Virginia average P90 ($178,659).
2019 BLS Actual
$174,218
2025 BLS Actual
$210,987
2026 Current Est.
$217,992
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $174,218 | Actual |
| 2020 | $180,151 | Actual |
| 2021 | $182,535 | Actual |
| 2022 | $186,415 | Actual |
| 2023 | $189,376 | Actual |
| 2024 | $185,475 | Actual |
| 2025 | $210,987 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $217,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $225,229 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Alexandria saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $174,218 in 2019 to $210,987 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 $225,229 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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 Alexandria
A variety of factors contribute to the senior physician assistant pay in VA, particularly in Alexandria. Specialties such as surgical PA roles in orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurosurgery tend to command premium compensations, reflecting the complex skill set these positions require. Compensation structures can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, with hospital systems offering steady W-2 packages, while surgical specialty practices and emergency departments may provide lucrative incentive-based pay models. Additionally, advanced credentialing, including a master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA certification, and added qualifications in subspecialties can boost earning potential. Professional advancement paths, such as lead PA roles or academic positions, further enhance career opportunities. Non-salary benefits like RVU productivity bonuses and case volume incentives also play a strong role in shaping total compensation for experienced physician assistants in this competitive market.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Alexandria in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Alexandria?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Alexandria?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Alexandria?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Alexandria?
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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 $210,987 for physician assistants in the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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