Healthcare Arizona (AZ) Rank #22 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in Arizona

The median physician assistant salary in Arizona is $122,230 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$122,230
vs National
$-3,780
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #22 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for physician assistant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $122,230 per year, physician assistants in Arizona earn $3,780 less than the national median of $126,010.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning physician assistant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $81,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $168,780 — a $87,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $141,131.

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arizona and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $85,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $157,140 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,360
$-2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$122,220
$-3,780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$157,140
$-4,860 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $81,480
25th Percentile $102,820
Median (50th) $122,230
75th Percentile $146,470
90th Percentile $168,780

Physician Assistant Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for physician assistants in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Arizona

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Arizona has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in Arizona

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arizona's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Arizona

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Arizona? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Arizona is $122,230 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $81,480 (10th percentile) to $168,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $122,230, a physician assistant in Arizona earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for physician assistants? ▼
Arizona ranks #22 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $85,360, while senior professionals earn $157,140.
How does Arizona compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. Arizona's median of $122,230 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($124,750) and Pennsylvania ($124,750).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in Arizona earns approximately $85,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $122,220. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $157,140.
What city in Arizona pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for physician assistants, with a median salary of $141,131. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.