Healthcare Colorado (CO) Rank #13 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in Colorado

The median physician assistant salary in Colorado is $134,831 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$134,831
vs National
+$8,821
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #13 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for physician assistant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $134,831 per year, physician assistants in Colorado earn $8,821 more than the national median of $126,010.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning physician assistant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $89,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $186,180 — a $96,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $163,813.

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 Colorado and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $94,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $173,340 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,160
+$6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,820
+$8,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$173,340
+$11,340 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $134,831+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $89,880
25th Percentile $113,420
Median (50th) $134,831
75th Percentile $161,570
90th Percentile $186,180

Physician Assistant Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for physician assistants in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Physician Assistants who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $38,509 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Physician Assistant Roles in Colorado?

Get matched with recruiters hiring physician assistants in Colorado at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Colorado

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Colorado? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Colorado is $134,831 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $89,880 (10th percentile) to $186,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,831, a physician assistant in Colorado earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for physician assistants? ▼
Colorado ranks #13 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $94,160, while senior professionals earn $173,340.
How does Colorado compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. Colorado's median of $134,831 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($136,091) and Rhode Island ($136,091).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in Colorado earns approximately $94,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $134,820. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $173,340.
What city in Colorado pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for physician assistants, with a median salary of $163,813. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.