Tennessee ranks 46th of 51 states and D.C. for physician assistants pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($163,020) by $49,030 — a 43% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $91,830 to $136,970 — a $45,140 spread, 48% tighter than the national $86,960 range.
Physician Assistants are less concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.72 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.39× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $91,830 | $44.15 |
| 25th percentile | $101,420 | $48.76 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $113,990 | $54.80 |
| 75th percentile | $129,230 | $62.13 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $136,970 | $65.85 |
| Mean (average) | $114,510 | $55.06 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $113,990 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $163,020 | +43% |
| California | $161,080 | +41% |
| Washington | $156,990 | +38% |
| New York | $152,650 | +34% |
| Oregon | $149,130 | +31% |
| Rhode Island | $141,600 | +24% |
| New Jersey | $140,490 | +23% |
| New Mexico | $139,990 | +23% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | $115,930 | 4,320 |
| Public Relations Managers | $116,340 | 860 |
| Software Developers | $117,340 | 18,750 |
| Electrical Engineers | $109,870 | 2,570 |
| Commercial Pilots | $119,330 | 1,020 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $108,420 | 14,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physician Assistants salary in Tennessee?
The mean physician assistants salary in Tennessee is $114,510 per year. The median (middle) salary is $113,990 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Physician Assistants in Tennessee?
Entry-level physician assistantss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $91,830 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $101,420 per year.
What is the highest Physician Assistants salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $136,970 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $129,230 per year.
How does the Tennessee Physician Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median physician assistants salary in Tennessee is $113,990, which is -14% below national average of $133,260.