Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physician assistant in Pittsburgh earns roughly $119,529/yr (~$6,702/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,280/mo — that's 19% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
PA · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant Afford to Live in Pittsburgh?
Using local salary estimates and Pittsburgh's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physician assistant in Pittsburgh, PA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$119,529/yr local estimate
$9,961
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
3.07% state income tax
-$3,259
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,702
1BR rent
19% of take-home
-$1,280
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$345
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$4,582
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Pittsburgh could save roughly $21,996/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 19% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 19% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Pittsburgh is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $119,529/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Pittsburgh's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh for a Physician Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Squirrel Hill
Jewish community, walkable, excellent restaurants, CMU adjacent, safest neighborhood; 1BR $1,200–1,600
Lawrenceville
Breweries, galleries, converted industrial, most gentrified and creative; 1BR $1,300–1,700
Shadyside
Upscale, walkable Walnut Street, boutique shopping, Pitt adjacent; 1BR $1,300–1,700
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Pittsburgh?
A Physician Assistant in Pittsburgh earns approximately $119,529 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Pittsburgh's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Pittsburgh affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 19% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physician assistant can live comfortably in Pittsburgh with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Pittsburgh?
After federal taxes, 3.07% state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $119,529/yr takes home roughly $6,702/month in Pittsburgh.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Pittsburgh?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh costs a median of $1,280/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 19% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.