Physician Assistant Salary in San Jose
2026 compensation data for Physician Assistant positions in San Jose, CA. Ranges from $114,000 (entry-level) to $221,000 (senior). Median: $158,000.
Median (Mid)
$158,000
$75.96/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $158,000
COL Index
178
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$221,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $114,000 | $129,000 | $147,000 | $62.02/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $141,000 | $158,000 | $181,000 | $75.96/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $172,000 | $194,000 | $221,000 | $93.27/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in San Jose
A mid-level physician assistant earning $158,000 in San Jose has the same buying power as $89,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 178).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Physician Assistant Salaries in San Jose
The median physician assistant salary in San Jose, CA is $158,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 178 (national average = 100), San Jose offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level physician assistants in San Jose can expect to earn between $114,000 and $147,000 (about $62.02/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $221,000 ($221K annually, or about $106.25/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like San Jose.
Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in San Jose
What is the average Physician Assistant salary in San Jose?+
The average Physician Assistant salary in San Jose is $158,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $129,000 and senior-level pay reaches $194,000.
How much does an entry-level physician assistant make in San Jose?+
Entry-level physician assistants in San Jose earn between $114,000 and $147,000, with a median of $129,000 per year (about $62.02/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Physician Assistant in San Jose?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Physician Assistant in San Jose earns roughly $62.02/hour at entry-level, $75.96/hour at mid-level, and $93.27/hour at senior-level.
Is the Physician Assistant salary in San Jose higher than the US average?+
Yes — Physician Assistant salaries in San Jose are about 0% higher than the US national median of $158,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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