Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Physician Assistant Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median physician assistant salary in Columbia, MD is $153,732 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$153,732
vs State Avg
+$10,081
vs National
+$27,722
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median physician assistant salary of $153,732, which is $10,081 above the Maryland state average of $143,651. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $153,732 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $130,281. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physician assistants in Columbia spans from $102,480 at the 10th percentile to $212,280 at the 90th percentile — a $109,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $107,360, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,640. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physician Assistant Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $107,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$107,360
+$19,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$153,720
+$27,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,640
+$35,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $102,480
25th Percentile $129,320
Median (50th) $153,732
75th Percentile $184,220
90th Percentile $212,280

Physician Assistant Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$158,773
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$149,952
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$141,131
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$137,351
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Columbia

Education

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

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Columbia

Browse open physician assistant positions in Columbia, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Columbia

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Columbia, Maryland is $153,732 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $102,480 (10th percentile) to $212,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $153,732, a physician assistant in Columbia earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Columbia's median physician assistant salary of $153,732 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $143,651. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $153,732 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Columbia? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Columbia 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.