Physician Assistant Salary in California
Physician Assistants in California earn an average of $151,263 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.3% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$151,263
per year
Hourly Rate
$72.72
per hour
vs National
+16.3%
$130,020 national
Salary Range
$98,427
to $218,699
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$151,263
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$106,523
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Physician Assistant's salary of $151,263 has the purchasing power of $106,523 in an average-cost area.
Physician Assistant Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $180,337 | $86.70/hr | $116,937 | $261,943 | 164 |
| San Francisco, CA | $179,631 | $86.36/hr | $117,455 | $254,448 | 190 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $142,331 | $68.43/hr | $92,943 | $211,317 | 231 |
| San Diego, CA | $140,332 | $67.47/hr | $90,613 | $204,274 | 139 |
| Sacramento, CA | $133,862 | $64.36/hr | $88,450 | $187,204 | 145 |
| Riverside, CA | $131,087 | $63.02/hr | $84,166 | $193,005 | 159 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Physician Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,028 Physician Assistants employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Physician Assistant Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$98,427
Starting salary for new Physician Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$151,263
Mid-career Physician Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$218,699
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
-$3,547 vs Physician Assistant
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
-$41,674 vs Physician Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
-$45,695 vs Physician Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
-$80,642 vs Physician Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$107,113 vs Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Physician Assistant salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Physician Assistant Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physician Assistant salary in California?
The average Physician Assistant salary in California is $151,263 per year ($72.72/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.3% above the national average of $130,020.
What is the highest paying city for Physician Assistants in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Physician Assistants in California, with a median salary of $180,337 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $131,087.
What is the salary range for Physician Assistants in California?
Physician Assistant salaries in California range from $98,427 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $218,699 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $151,263 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.