Physician Assistant Salary in Cambridge
Average salary range: $62,349 - $97,519 per year
Read the posting twice. Highlight nouns and verbs, then mirror them honestly. Physician Assistant pay in Cambridge typically lands around $79,934 (roughly $62,349–$97,519). Cambridge cost-of-living index is about 152 vs a US 100 baseline. Cambridge rents rival Boston; MA tax applies. Local demand clusters around biotech and education. Employers such as MIT-area labs and Biogen set a lot of the comps. Wet labs are on-site. This 2026 guide breaks compensation by level, what actually moves offers, and how to negotiate without guessing.
Salary Breakdown
25th Percentile
$71K
Median
$80K
75th Percentile
$89K
Top Earners
$98K+
Factors That Affect Physician Assistant Salary in Cambridge
Experience Level
Entry-level: -20%, Mid-level: baseline, Senior: +30-50%, Lead/Manager: +50-80%
Company Size & Type
Big Tech & Finance typically pay 20-40% above market. Startups may offer equity compensation.
Cost of Living
Cambridge COL index is about 152 (US 100). Cambridge rents rival Boston; MA tax applies. Local demand clusters around biotech and education (MIT-area labs, Biogen).
Skills That Increase Physician Assistant Salary
How to Negotiate Your Physician Assistant Salary in Cambridge
- Anchor with Cambridge comps, not a national average that ignores COL index 152
- Know your worth based on skills such as Patient Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Planning
- Let the employer make the first offer when possible
- Negotiate total compensation, not just base salary
- Be prepared to walk away if the offer doesn't meet your minimum
- Get any verbal offers in writing before accepting
- Consider timing. Negotiate after receiving the offer but before accepting
- Practice your negotiation pitch beforehand
Physician Assistant Job Market Outlook in Cambridge
Demand for Physician Assistants in Cambridge into 2026 tracks biotech and education. Wet labs are on-site.
The career trajectory for Physician Assistants in Cambridge still supports 5–10% annual movement early on, with larger jumps into senior or lead seats, especially in biotech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physician Assistant salary in Cambridge?
The average Physician Assistant salary in Cambridge is approximately $79,934 per year. Salaries range from $62,349 for entry-level positions to $97,519+ for senior roles with specialized skills.
Is Cambridge a good city for Physician Assistant jobs?
Cambridge offers moderate salaries for Physician Assistant positions. Consider the cost of living, job market size, industry presence, and quality of life when evaluating opportunities in Cambridge.
How does Physician Assistant salary in Cambridge compare to other cities?
Physician Assistant salaries in Cambridge are moderate compared to national averages. Major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
What factors affect Physician Assistant salary in Cambridge?
Key factors include: years of experience, specialized skills and certifications, company size and industry, education level, negotiation skills, and current market demand. Remote work has also impacted salary expectations in many markets. In Cambridge, also weigh COL index 152 and biotech demand.
How can I negotiate a higher Physician Assistant salary in Cambridge?
Research market rates using multiple sources, quantify your achievements, highlight specialized skills, consider total compensation (equity, benefits, bonuses), be prepared to walk away, and practice your negotiation pitch. Timing matters - negotiate after receiving the offer but before accepting. In Cambridge, also weigh COL index 152 and biotech demand.
What is the entry-level Physician Assistant salary in Cambridge?
Entry-level Physician Assistant positions in Cambridge typically start around $52,996.65 to $62,349 per year. This can vary based on education, internship experience, and the hiring company.
What is the senior Physician Assistant salary in Cambridge?
Senior Physician Assistant professionals in Cambridge can earn $87,767.1 to $97,519+ per year. Lead and principal-level roles may exceed these figures, especially at top companies.
Do Physician Assistants get bonuses in Cambridge?
Many Physician Assistant positions in Cambridge include bonuses as part of compensation. Typical bonus structures include annual performance bonuses (10-20% of salary), signing bonuses, and profit-sharing. Tech companies may also offer equity compensation.
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