Healthcare San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Physician Assistant Salary in San Jose, California

The median physician assistant salary in San Jose, CA is $221,778 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median and 20.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$221,778
vs State Avg
+$37,803
vs National
+$95,768
Cost of Living
168%

Physician Assistant Pay in San Jose: What to Expect (2026)

San Jose offers a median physician assistant salary of $221,778, which is $37,803 above the California state average of $183,975. Compared to the national median of $126,010, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $221,778 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $132,011. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physician assistants in San Jose spans from $147,840 at the 10th percentile to $306,240 at the 90th percentile — a $158,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $154,880, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $285,120. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physician Assistant Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $154,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $285,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$154,880
+$66,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$221,760
+$95,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$285,120
+$123,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $147,840
25th Percentile $186,560
Median (50th) $221,778
75th Percentile $265,760
90th Percentile $306,240

Physician Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$239,419
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$194,055
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$189,015
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$158,773
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Physician Assistant in San Jose

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. San Jose and the surrounding California 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 San Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in San Jose

Browse open physician assistant positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in San Jose

How much does a Physician Assistant make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in San Jose, California is $221,778 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $147,840 (10th percentile) to $306,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $221,778, a physician assistant in San Jose earns approximately $107 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
San Jose's median physician assistant salary of $221,778 is 20.5% above the California state average of $183,975. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $221,778 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in San Jose? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in San Jose 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.