Physician Assistant Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, Massachusetts$189,000 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Physician Assistant Salary in Cambridge

Entry Level
$135,660
Median
$189,000
Senior Level
$251,160

Physician Assistant salaries in Cambridge are 68% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Cambridge is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Clinical AssessmentDiagnosisTreatmentProceduresPatient Care

Physician Assistant Job Market in Cambridge

Cambridge, MA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Physician Assistant professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Cambridge offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Technology and Biotechnology sectors create robust demand for Physician Assistant talent. The market for Physician Assistant positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Physician Assistants in Cambridge

City of CambridgeMBTAMIT

Major employers hiring Physician Assistants in Cambridge include City of Cambridge, MBTA, MIT. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Cambridge offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Physician Assistants in Cambridge

Living in Cambridge as a Physician Assistant means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (168% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,900/month (61% above the national average of $1,800). At median Physician Assistant salary, housing is quite affordable at 18% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $2,200/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

168
Cost Index (100=avg)
$2.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Physician Assistant in Cambridge

Cambridge Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Physician Assistants in Cambridge: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Physician Assistant professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Physician Assistants

The job outlook for Physician Assistants in Cambridge is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Cambridge offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, Procedures.

Relocating to Cambridge

Cambridge has a very high cost of living. Many Physician Assistants negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physician Assistant salary in Cambridge, MA?

The average Physician Assistant salary in Cambridge, MA is $189,000 per year. Entry-level Physician Assistants typically start around $135,660, while experienced professionals can earn $251,160 or more. The national average for Physician Assistant roles is $112,500.

How many Physician Assistant jobs are available in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Physician Assistant professionals. Major employers hiring Physician Assistants include City of Cambridge, MBTA, MIT. The Technology and Biotechnology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Cambridge a good city for Physician Assistants?

Cambridge is an excellent choice for Physician Assistants. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Physician Assistants in Cambridge?

Top skills for Physician Assistants in Cambridge include Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, Procedures, Patient Care. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Physician Assistants in Cambridge?

Cambridge's cost of living is significantly above the national average (168% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,900/month. Purchasing power in Cambridge is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Physician Assistants in Cambridge?

Cambridge Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Healthcare Jobs in Cambridge

Advertisement

Get Hired Faster

Create an AI-optimized resume tailored for Physician Assistant jobs in Cambridge.

Get Started Free