Healthcare Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Physician Assistant Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median physician assistant salary in Tucson, AZ is $117,189 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$117,189
vs State Avg
$-5,041
vs National
$-8,821
Cost of Living
93%

Physician Assistant Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median physician assistant salary of $117,189, which is $5,041 below the Arizona state average of $122,230. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physician assistants in Tucson spans from $78,120 at the 10th percentile to $161,820 at the 90th percentile — a $83,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,840, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $150,660. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physician Assistant Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $81,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,660 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,180
$-8,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,660
$-11,340 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $78,120
25th Percentile $98,580
Median (50th) $117,189
75th Percentile $140,430
90th Percentile $161,820

Physician Assistant Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$141,131
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$128,530
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$126,010
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$122,230
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Tucson

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Tucson

Browse open physician assistant positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Tucson

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Tucson, Arizona is $117,189 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $78,120 (10th percentile) to $161,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,189, a physician assistant in Tucson earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Tucson's median physician assistant salary of $117,189 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $122,230. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $117,189 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Tucson? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Tucson require a master's degree. Key skills include Clinical Assessment, Pharmacology, Surgical Assisting, Patient Communication. The job market is projected to grow 28% nationally over the next decade.