Healthcare Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Physician Assistant Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median physician assistant salary in Seattle, WA is $191,535 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$191,535
vs State Avg
+$41,583
vs National
+$65,525
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median physician assistant salary of $191,535, which is $41,583 above the Washington state average of $149,952. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $191,535 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $129,416. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physician assistants in Seattle spans from $127,680 at the 10th percentile to $264,480 at the 90th percentile — a $136,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $133,760, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $246,240. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physician Assistant Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $133,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $246,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$133,760
+$45,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$191,520
+$65,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$246,240
+$84,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $127,680
25th Percentile $161,120
Median (50th) $191,535
75th Percentile $229,520
90th Percentile $264,480

Physician Assistant Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$196,576
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$143,651
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$133,571
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$120,970
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Seattle

Education

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

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Seattle

Browse open physician assistant positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Seattle

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Seattle, Washington is $191,535 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $127,680 (10th percentile) to $264,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $191,535, a physician assistant in Seattle earns approximately $92 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Seattle's median physician assistant salary of $191,535 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $149,952. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $191,535 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Seattle? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Seattle 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.