Healthcare Rhode Island (RI) Rank #12 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in Rhode Island

The median physician assistant salary in Rhode Island is $136,091 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$136,091
vs National
+$10,081
State Rank
#12 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for physician assistant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $136,091 per year, physician assistants in Rhode Island earn $10,081 more than the national median of $126,010.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning physician assistant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $90,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $187,920 — a $97,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $139,871.

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 Rhode Island and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $95,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,960 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$95,040
+$7,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,960
+$12,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $90,720
25th Percentile $114,480
Median (50th) $136,091
75th Percentile $163,080
90th Percentile $187,920

Physician Assistant Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for physician assistants in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Rhode Island is $136,091 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $90,720 (10th percentile) to $187,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $136,091, a physician assistant in Rhode Island earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for physician assistants? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $95,040, while senior professionals earn $174,960.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. Rhode Island's median of $136,091 ranks #12 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oregon ($141,131) and New Hampshire ($136,091).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in Rhode Island earns approximately $95,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $136,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $174,960.
What city in Rhode Island pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for physician assistants, with a median salary of $139,871. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.