HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Physician Assistant Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$265,358/yr
Typical range: $248,688 – $293,055
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Physician Assistant salary by experience level in Washington DC
Physician Assistant Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $145,118 | $12,093 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $178,287 | $14,857 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $197,636 | $16,470 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $218,920 | $18,243 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $265,358 | $22,113 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $305,162 | $25,430 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $315,113 | $26,259 | +117% |
Current Salary
$265,358
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $128/hr
Next Level Target
$305,162
Principal · 14
+$40Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+28% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Physician Assistant salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Physician Assistants in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $265K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Physician Assistant make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $265K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $128/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Physician Assistant in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Physician Assistant in Washington DC, DC earns $249K–$293K/yr.