Healthcare Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Physician Assistant Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median physician assistant salary in Charlotte, NC is $123,490 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$123,490
vs State Avg
+$7,561
vs National
$-2,520
Cost of Living
98%

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

Charlotte offers a median physician assistant salary of $123,490, which is $7,561 above the North Carolina state average of $115,929. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physician assistants in Charlotte spans from $82,320 at the 10th percentile to $170,520 at the 90th percentile — a $88,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,240, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $158,760. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physician Assistant Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $86,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,480
$-2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,760
$-3,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $82,320
25th Percentile $103,880
Median (50th) $123,490
75th Percentile $147,980
90th Percentile $170,520

Physician Assistant Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$123,490
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$119,710
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$110,889
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$108,369
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Charlotte

Education

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

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open physician assistant positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $123,490 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $82,320 (10th percentile) to $170,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,490, a physician assistant in Charlotte earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Charlotte's median physician assistant salary of $123,490 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $115,929. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $123,490 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Charlotte? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Charlotte 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.