Physician Assistant Salary in Colorado
Based on 3K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$134,540
$64.68/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-1.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$105K – $174K
3K employed in Colorado
Physician Assistant salary in Colorado averages $134,540 per year, according to recent labor data. This figure is approximately 1% below the national average, reflecting Colorado's competitive healthcare market. With 3,270 Physician Assistants currently employed across the state, the profession remains a stable career path for healthcare professionals seeking advancement opportunities.
Several factors influence Physician Assistant salary in Colorado, including years of experience, specialty selection, and geographic location within the state. Work setting—whether in hospitals, private practices, or urgent care facilities—significantly impacts compensation levels. Additionally, certifications, continuing education, and local demand for specialized services can contribute to salary variations, with experienced PAs in high-demand specialties earning substantially more than the median.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $104,590 |
| 25th percentile | $124,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,540 |
| 75th percentile | $156,400 |
| 90th percentile | $174,090 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physician Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physician Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physician Assistants in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $158,550 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $157,040 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $143,220 | 510 |
| Finance and Insurance | $138,040 | 50 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,710 | 350 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physician Assistant in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,640 |
| 2023 | $128,800 |
| 2024 | $131,910 |
| 2025 | $134,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,222 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,640 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $128,800 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $131,910 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $134,540 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,222 | $138,763 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $124,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $156,400 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $174,090 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Physician Assistant ($134,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +155.9% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +123.0% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +98.0% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +97.4% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +46.0% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +23.6% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +16.0% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +13.0% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +6.0% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +2.3% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +0.3% | $64.86/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CO | $132,930 | -1.2% | $63.91/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Colorado?
- The median salary for physician assistants in Colorado is $134,540 per year, or approximately $65 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 1.1%, but still represents a competitive compensation level for healthcare professionals in the state.
What is the salary range for PAs working in Colorado?
- Physician assistant salaries in Colorado range from $104,590 at the lower end to $174,090 at the upper end. This $69,500 salary spread reflects variations based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many physician assistants are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 3,270 physician assistants currently employed in Colorado. This represents a stable workforce in the state's healthcare system.
Is the PA salary in Colorado higher or lower than the national average?
- Colorado's median PA salary of $134,540 is slightly lower than the national average, trailing by 1.1%. Despite this modest difference, Colorado remains a viable location for PA employment with competitive earning potential.