Physician Assistant Salary in San Francisco, CA
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Healthcare · COL Index: 179.6
$167,090
Median Salary
$167,710
Mean Salary
$93,035
COL-Adjusted
1,980
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $103,650 | $57,712 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,240 | $75,301 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $167,090 | $93,035 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,360 | $115,457 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $220,310 | $122,667 |
What Drives the Range
The $116,660 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Physician Assistant positions in San Francisco, CA reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
San Francisco, CA's cost-of-living index of 179.6 means that a $167,090 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $93,035 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.