The role of physician assistants (PAs) in the healthcare system has become increasingly vital, particularly in regions facing a shortage of primary healthcare providers. This article delves into the landscape of physician assistant salaries in Minnesota, exploring the state’s job growth projections, regional variations in PA salaries, and the implications for the future of healthcare in the state.
A Deep Dive into Physician Assistant Earnings in Minnesota
Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) published a detailed salary evaluation of physician assistants in 2015. The findings showed that the median incomes for this profession outpaced the national average reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was especially noticeable for physician assistants at the start of their careers, falling within the lowest 10% of the earnings bracket:
Minnesota salary elevation above the national standard:
- At the 90th Percentile: $138,216 (1.2% increase);
- Median Earnings: $104,125 (7.2% increase);
- At the 10th Percentile: $81,078 (24.7% increase).
The DEED also shed light on the median salary for physician assistants in some of Minnesota’s major cities as of 2015:
* Rochester: $115,856;
* Duluth: $107,806;
* Saint Cloud: $104,437;
* Minneapolis-St. Paul: $101,005;
* Mankato: $96,658.
Evaluating the Financial Benefits of Being a Physician Assistant in Minnesota
This data underscores a key advantage of pursuing a career as a physician assistant in Minnesota. The state offers competitive salaries, especially to those starting in this field. The potential for high earning is even more pronounced when the state’s income is compared against the national average.
A 24.7% surge for those in the lowest 10% wage bracket indicates a promising start for new physician assistants in Minnesota. Further, the salaries remain consistently high across the state, from Rochester to Mankato.
Minnesota’s Major Cities and Their Attractiveness for Physician Assistants
The salary data provided by the DEED gives an indication of the financial potential in different regions of Minnesota. All the cities listed, from Rochester to Mankato, offer median salaries exceeding $95,000.
Rochester, with an impressive median salary of $115,856, tops the list. Duluth and Saint Cloud follow, offering over $100,000. Even at the lower end, Mankato, with a median salary of $96,658, far surpasses the national average.
Delving Into Geographic Variances in Minnesota’s Physician Assistant Salaries
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the compensation of physician assistants in Minnesota shows a marked variation across different metropolitan and nonmetropolitan regions. As of 2014, physician assistants stationed in Rochester were found to have the highest average and median salaries. Notably, the BLS highlighted that Rochester physician assistants pocketed the nation’s highest average salary in the metropolitan category for that year. The second-highest average and median salaries were found among physician assistants in the nonmetropolitan area of Northeast Minnesota.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the earnings statistics for physician assistants across various regions in Minnesota:
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage | Hourly median wage | Hourly 75th percentile wage | Annual median wage | Annual 75th percentile wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth MN-WI | 70 | $50.92 | $105,910 | $51.12 | $56.87 | $106,330 | $118,300 |
| Mankato-North Mankato MN | Not released | $45.96 | $95,590 | $45.83 | $52.04 | $95,330 | $108,240 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington MN-WI | 1,130 | $49.24 | $102,410 | $47.89 | $56.23 | $99,620 | $116,950 |
| Rochester MN | 300 | $54.21 | $112,760 | $54.93 | $60.58 | $114,250 | $126,000 |
| St. Cloud MN | 120 | $48.91 | $101,740 | $49.52 | $54.83 | $103,010 | $114,050 |
| Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | 80 | $50.67 | $105,400 | $48.80 | $57.77 | $101,500 | $120,160 |
| Northeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | 40 | $53.14 | $110,530 | $54.79 | $63.64 | $113,960 | $132,360 |
| Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | 90 | $47.69 | $99,190 | $45.73 | $53.66 | $95,120 | $111,620 |
It’s clear from this data that the location of a physician assistant in Minnesota has a significant impact on earnings. Whether you’re considering joining this profession or already working as a physician assistant, this detailed income information can guide your decision-making process and help optimize career growth.
Conclusion
The data clearly illustrates that physician assistant salaries in Minnesota can significantly differ based on geographic location. Areas like Rochester and Northeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area hold a substantial earning potential. Whether contemplating a career as a physician assistant, oncology PA in Minnesota or seeking to optimize income in this established role, understanding these geographic wage differences can prove pivotal in navigating the viable career paths in Minnesota’s robust healthcare industry.
