Healthcare Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in Massachusetts

The median physician assistant salary in Massachusetts is $180,194 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$180,194
vs National
+$54,184
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for physician assistants seeking high pay. At $180,194 per year, physician assistants in Massachusetts earn $54,184 more than the national median of $126,010.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $180,194 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $133,477.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $120,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $248,820 — a $128,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $211,697.

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 Massachusetts and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $125,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $231,660 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$125,840
+$37,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$180,180
+$54,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$231,660
+$69,660 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $120,120
25th Percentile $151,580
Median (50th) $180,194
75th Percentile $215,930
90th Percentile $248,820

Physician Assistant Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for physician assistants in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Massachusetts

Education

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

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Massachusetts is $180,194 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $120,120 (10th percentile) to $248,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $180,194, a physician assistant in Massachusetts earns approximately $87 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for physician assistants? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $125,840, while senior professionals earn $231,660.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. Massachusetts's median of $180,194 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($224,298) and California ($183,975).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in Massachusetts earns approximately $125,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $180,180. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $231,660.
What city in Massachusetts pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for physician assistants, with a median salary of $211,697. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.