Healthcare Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Physician Assistant Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median physician assistant salary in Boston, MA is $201,616 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$201,616
vs State Avg
+$21,422
vs National
+$75,606
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median physician assistant salary of $201,616, which is $21,422 above the Massachusetts state average of $180,194. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $201,616 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $132,642. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physician assistants in Boston spans from $134,400 at the 10th percentile to $278,400 at the 90th percentile — a $144,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $140,800, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $259,200. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physician Assistant Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $140,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $259,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$140,800
+$52,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$201,600
+$75,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$259,200
+$97,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $134,400
25th Percentile $169,600
Median (50th) $201,616
75th Percentile $241,600
90th Percentile $278,400

Physician Assistant Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Boston

Education

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

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Boston

Browse open physician assistant positions in Boston, MA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Boston

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $201,616 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $134,400 (10th percentile) to $278,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $201,616, a physician assistant in Boston earns approximately $97 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Boston's median physician assistant salary of $201,616 is 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average of $180,194. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $201,616 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Boston? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Boston 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.