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The 10 Best States for Physician Assistants in 2026
As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, Physician Assistants (PAs) are playing a crucial role across the United States. The profession has evolved significantly, with PAs now serving in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to telehealth services. In 2026, we examine the states that offer the best opportunities for PAs, considering job availability, salary, and career growth potential.
To identify the top states for PAs, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other relevant sources, focusing on job opportunities and compensation to find out where PAs can thrive at every stage of their careers.
Here are the best states for Physician Assistants:
These states provide a blend of high salaries, job availability, and opportunities for career advancement for Physician Assistants.
How We Determined the Best States for Physician Assistants
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our research consistently highlights two key factors that matter most to job hunters:
- Job Availability
- Compensation
To identify the best states for Physician Assistants, we assessed job availability and salary data, utilizing the following criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Location Quotient: A measure of job concentration in each state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Entry-Level Salary.
- Average Experienced Salary.
We standardized salary figures to account for variations in cost of living across states. For instance, while the average salary for PAs in California is $117,230, the higher costs of living in that state mean that salaries may not stretch as far as those in states with lower living costs.
Each state was ranked from 1 to 50 based on these criteria, with the state achieving the lowest overall Job Score recognized as the best for Physician Assistants.
Let’s delve into the specifics that make each of these states favorable for PAs.
1. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 220
Average Annual Salary: $116,890
Average Entry Level Salary: $83,770
Average Experienced Salary: $158,810
Location Quotient: 1.01
2. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 1,190
Average Annual Salary: $106,700
Average Entry Level Salary: $76,120
Average Experienced Salary: $149,820
Location Quotient: 1.53
3. Michigan
Total Jobs: 4,490
Average Annual Salary: $110,240
Average Entry Level Salary: $84,950
Average Experienced Salary: $136,840
Location Quotient: 1.31
4. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 1,390
Average Annual Salary: $104,200
Average Entry Level Salary: $69,370
Average Experienced Salary: $147,730
Location Quotient: 1.1
5. Idaho
Total Jobs: 730
Average Annual Salary: $109,090
Average Entry Level Salary: $70,300
Average Experienced Salary: $151,430
Location Quotient: 1.3
6. Iowa
Total Jobs: 1,000
Average Annual Salary: $110,550
Average Entry Level Salary: $82,720
Average Experienced Salary: $148,280
Location Quotient: 0.81
7. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 5,010
Average Annual Salary: $104,680
Average Entry Level Salary: $81,010
Average Experienced Salary: $139,760
Location Quotient: 1.44
8. Washington
Total Jobs: 2,470
Average Annual Salary: $123,980
Average Entry Level Salary: $88,150
Average Experienced Salary: $160,880
Location Quotient: 0.96
9. West Virginia
Total Jobs: 770
Average Annual Salary: $104,180
Average Entry Level Salary: $70,080
Average Experienced Salary: $148,340
Location Quotient: 1.39
10. Kansas
Total Jobs: 1,040
Average Annual Salary: $104,720
Average Entry Level Salary: $77,920
Average Experienced Salary: $132,890
Location Quotient: 0.96
Conclusion: Best States for Physician Assistants
If you are considering a career as a Physician Assistant, these ten states should be on your radar. They offer competitive salaries, ample job opportunities, and a pathway for professional growth. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, these states are well-positioned to support PAs in their careers.
For those interested in further information, here are the states that may present more challenges for PAs:
For further reading, consider exploring:
Detailed List of the Best States for Physician Assistants
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | $116,890 |
| 2 | Nebraska | $106,700 |
| 3 | Michigan | $110,240 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | $104,200 |
| 5 | Idaho | $109,090 |
| 6 | Iowa | $110,550 |
| 7 | North Carolina | $104,680 |
| 8 | Washington | $123,980 |
| 9 | West Virginia | $104,180 |
| 10 | Kansas | $104,720 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $116,200 |
| 12 | Ohio | $105,410 |
| 13 | New Mexico | $108,610 |
| 14 | Texas | $109,590 |
| 15 | Georgia | $103,190 |
| 16 | Montana | $106,130 |
| 17 | Nevada | $116,850 |
| 18 | Wisconsin | $107,920 |
| 19 | South Dakota | $102,830 |
| 20 | Utah | $102,710 |
| 21 | Maine | $110,030 |
| 22 | Delaware | $105,300 |
| 23 | Florida | $105,930 |
| 24 | Arkansas | $99,280 |
| 25 | North Dakota | $107,340 |
| 26 | Illinois | $108,260 |
| 27 | Connecticut | $125,610 |
| 28 | Colorado | $102,770 |
| 29 | Arizona | $101,590 |
| 30 | Alaska | $122,260 |
| 31 | Pennsylvania | $98,510 |
| 32 | Oregon | $113,570 |
| 33 | Indiana | $96,090 |
| 34 | New York | $117,000 |
| 35 | South Carolina | $103,710 |
| 36 | New Hampshire | $111,080 |
| 37 | Missouri | $94,480 |
| 38 | Virginia | $99,340 |
| 39 | Vermont | $106,520 |
| 40 | Alabama | $92,880 |
| 41 | Maryland | $108,180 |
| 42 | Tennessee | $87,700 |
| 43 | New Jersey | $116,270 |
| 44 | Kentucky | $91,010 |
| 45 | Massachusetts | $108,700 |
| 46 | Louisiana | $85,990 |
| 47 | Mississippi | $81,130 |
| 48 | California | $117,230 |
| 49 | Rhode Island | $103,710 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $121,120 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
