Physician Assistant.
Detroit.
$110,000
median salary, 7% below the national average
$95,000 to $129,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A Physician Assistant in Detroit earns a median of $110,000 in 2026. That is 7% below the national average. The range runs from $95,000 to $129,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. Surgical subspecialties and emergency medicine pay the highest PA salaries, often 20 to 30% above primary care.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $99,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$72,000
to $88,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$94,000
to $116,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$121,000
to $143,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$138,000
to $171,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $29,000 to the total package.
Base
$110,000
Equity
$17,000
Bonus
$10,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $139,000
How Detroit compares
Detroit, MI
$110,000
Cost of living: 10% below average
National Average
$118,000
Detroit is $8,000 below
Physician Assistant salary by city
Salary by role in Detroit
What you should know
The Physician Assistant landscape in Detroit is not what most salary sites will tell you. Detroit's economy is transforming as the automotive industry pivots to electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology. Ford, GM, and a growing cluster of mobility startups are investing billions in the region. The city's low cost of living paired with rising tech salaries makes it one of the highest purchasing power metros for engineering roles. Surgical subspecialties and emergency medicine pay the highest PA salaries, often 20 to 30% above primary care. Geographic location matters significantly, with rural and underserved areas offering premium pay to attract talent. Experience in procedural skills and first-assist certification further boost compensation.
Entry-level PAs earn $95,000 to $105,000 in their first role. Mid-career PAs with specialty experience reach $120,000 to $135,000. Senior PAs in surgical specialties or leadership positions can command $145,000 to $165,000 with additional administrative responsibilities. In Detroit, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. PAs commonly receive productivity bonuses, CME allowances of $2,000 to $5,000 annually, malpractice insurance, and relocation assistance. Hospital systems often add shift differentials for nights, weekends, and call coverage. And on the tax side: michigan has a flat 4.25% state income tax. Detroit adds a city income tax of 2.4% for residents. Factor the city tax into your calculations if living within city limits. When someone quotes you $110,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Highlight EV and autonomous vehicle expertise. Detroit employers are paying significant premiums for talent with electric vehicle, battery tech, or self driving experience. The range for Physician Assistants in Detroit runs from $95,000 to $129,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI/ML Data Analyst in Detroit earns $111,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Detroit is Chief AI Officer at $287,000
Common questions.
Physician Assistant salary in other cities
Other salaries in Detroit
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