Healthcare Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Physician Assistant Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median physician assistant salary in Arlington, VA is $168,853 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median and 26.4% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$168,853
vs State Avg
+$35,282
vs National
+$42,843
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median physician assistant salary of $168,853, which is $35,282 above the Virginia state average of $133,571. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $168,853 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $127,919. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physician assistants in Arlington spans from $112,560 at the 10th percentile to $233,160 at the 90th percentile — a $120,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $117,920, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $217,080. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physician Assistant Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $117,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $217,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$117,920
+$29,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$168,840
+$42,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$217,080
+$55,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $112,560
25th Percentile $142,040
Median (50th) $168,853
75th Percentile $202,340
90th Percentile $233,160

Physician Assistant Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Arlington

Education

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

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Arlington

Browse open physician assistant positions in Arlington, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Arlington

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Arlington, Virginia is $168,853 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $112,560 (10th percentile) to $233,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $168,853, a physician assistant in Arlington earns approximately $81 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Arlington's median physician assistant salary of $168,853 is 26.4% above the Virginia state average of $133,571. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $168,853 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Arlington? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Arlington 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.