Healthcare Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in Missouri

The median physician assistant salary in Missouri is $110,889 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$110,889
vs National
$-15,121
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. Physician Assistant salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $110,889 per year, physician assistants in Missouri earn $15,121 less than the national median of $126,010.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $110,889 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $126,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $73,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $153,120 — a $79,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $115,929.

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 Missouri and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $77,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,560 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,880
$-15,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,560
$-19,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $73,920
25th Percentile $93,280
Median (50th) $110,889
75th Percentile $132,880
90th Percentile $153,120

Physician Assistant Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for physician assistants in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Missouri

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Missouri? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Missouri is $110,889 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $73,920 (10th percentile) to $153,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,889, a physician assistant in Missouri earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for physician assistants? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $77,440, while senior professionals earn $142,560.
How does Missouri compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. Missouri's median of $110,889 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($112,149) and South Carolina ($112,149).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in Missouri earns approximately $77,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $110,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $142,560.
What city in Missouri pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for physician assistants, with a median salary of $115,929. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.