Physician Assistant Salary in USA 2025
Pay by state, experience level, and specialty
Median Annual Salary (USA)
Physician Assistant Salary Overview
This guide breaks down physician assistant (PA) salary in the US for 2025, covering national averages, pay by state, experience levels, and the highest-paying specialties. Whether you're considering PA school, evaluating job offers, or planning your next career move, these figures provide the benchmarks you need.
Physician assistants are advanced practice providers who examine, diagnose, and treat patients in collaboration with physicians. PAs work across virtually every medical specialty and setting, earning strong six-figure incomes that rank them among the highest paying jobs in healthcare.
The data here draws from BLS estimates, PA salary surveys, and industry compensation reports, presented as realistic ranges rather than exact promises. For context on how PA salaries compare to other professions, see our guide to average salary in the US.
What Physician Assistants Earn: National Snapshot
Physician assistants in the US earn strong six-figure salaries that reflect their advanced training and clinical responsibilities. Recent BLS data and PA salary reports show average salaries in the low-to-mid $120,000s nationally, with median figures often cited around $126,000–$130,000.
The typical range for most PAs falls between $100,000 and $150,000+, with top earners in high-demand specialties or locations exceeding $170,000. These figures generally include base salary; total compensation may be higher when bonuses, overtime, and benefits are factored in.
| Metric | Typical PA Pay (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Average / Mean | ~$124,000–$128,000 | Based on recent BLS and aggregated data |
| National Median | ~$126,000–$130,000 | Middle point; varies by source |
| Typical Range for Most PAs | ~$100,000–$150,000 | Varies by state, specialty, and setting |
| Top 10% of Earners | $165,000+ | Surgical specialties, high-demand markets |
To convert these annual figures to hourly rates or explore other salary conversions, use our salary calculator.
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level
Early-Career / New Graduate PAs
New physician assistants typically start below the overall PA average but still at strong compensation compared to many other health professions. First-year PA salaries commonly fall in the $95,000–$115,000 range depending on specialty, location, and employer type.
Factors that influence early-career pay include: specialty choice (surgical and emergency medicine often start higher than primary care), geographic location, practice setting (hospital vs. outpatient), and whether the position includes productivity bonuses or call pay.
Mid-Career PAs (5–10 years)
After several years of experience, PAs who have developed clinical expertise, procedural skills, and the ability to manage complex cases typically see salaries grow into the $120,000–$140,000 range.
This career stage often offers the most flexibility. Mid-career PAs can pursue higher-paying specialties, negotiate based on proven track records, or optimize their compensation by moving to employers with better pay structures or higher-paying regions.
Experienced / Senior PAs
Experienced PAs with 10+ years in practice, particularly those in high-demand specialties or leadership roles, commonly earn $140,000–$170,000 or more. Factors that push compensation higher include: working in surgical subspecialties or procedural fields, practicing in higher-paying states or urban medical centers, taking on lead PA or chief APP administrative roles, and working locum tenens (temporary contract) assignments.
Some experienced PAs who combine clinical practice with teaching, administrative duties, or ownership stakes in practices can exceed these ranges significantly.
For strategies on advancing your compensation at any career stage, see our salary negotiation guide.
Physician Assistant Salary by State
PA salaries vary substantially by state. Several factors drive these differences: cost of living, demand for healthcare providers, state practice regulations, and competition for qualified PAs.
Highest-Paying States for PAs
Multiple salary surveys consistently identify these states among the highest-paying for physician assistants: Washington, California, Alaska, Connecticut, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, and Texas. PAs in these states often earn $130,000–$150,000+ on average.
New Mexico and Hawaii also appear on some high-pay lists, though the data can vary by source and sample size.
Strong Mid-Range States
States like Massachusetts, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, and Maryland offer competitive PA salaries—typically around the national average or slightly above—combined with varying costs of living. These markets often provide good balance between compensation and purchasing power.
Lower-Paying States
Some southeastern states report average PA salaries below $115,000. Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee typically fall into this category. However, lower cost of living in these areas often means comparable or better purchasing power despite lower nominal pay.
Cost-of-Living Considerations
High-paying states often have high living costs. A $145,000 salary in California may offer less purchasing power than $120,000 in Texas or Tennessee when housing costs are factored in. Consider both nominal salary and local cost of living when evaluating opportunities.
| State Tier | Typical PA Salary Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-paying (WA, CA, AK, CT, NV, NY, TX) | $130,000–$150,000+ | Above national average; varies by metro area |
| Mid-range (MA, OR, CO, MN, MD) | $120,000–$135,000 | Around national average; mixed cost of living |
| Lower-paying (AL, MS, KY, TN) | $105,000–$120,000 | Below average but often lower living costs |
Physician Assistant Salary by Specialty and Practice Setting
Specialty choice significantly affects PA compensation. The difference between the highest and lowest-paying specialties can be $30,000–$50,000 or more annually.
Highest-Paying PA Specialties
Surgical Subspecialties consistently top PA salary lists. Cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery PAs often earn $140,000–$170,000+, reflecting the specialized skills required and demanding schedules.
Emergency Medicine PAs typically earn above-average salaries ($125,000–$150,000+), compensated for shift work, high-acuity patients, and irregular hours.
Dermatology PAs earn strong salaries with often favorable work-life balance, making it a highly competitive specialty to enter.
Orthopedics PAs assist with surgeries and manage musculoskeletal conditions, earning premium pay for procedural skills.
Cardiology PAs working in interventional cardiology or cardiac surgery support earn above-average compensation.
Mid-Range Specialties
Hospital medicine, gastroenterology, oncology, and psychiatry typically fall in the middle of PA salary ranges—around the national average or slightly above.
Primary Care and Family Medicine
Family medicine and general internal medicine PAs earn solid salaries ($105,000–$125,000 typically) but often below specialty averages. The tradeoffs: more regular schedules, broader practice scope, and often better work-life balance.
Practice Setting Impact
Hospital-employed PAs often earn more than those in small private practices but may have less schedule control. Academic medical centers may offer slightly lower salaries but provide teaching opportunities and prestige. Urgent care centers vary widely. Locum tenens (temporary contract) positions typically pay premium rates—sometimes 20–40% above permanent positions—but without benefits.
PA Salary Compared to Other Healthcare Roles
Understanding how PA compensation compares to related roles helps contextualize the career path.
PA vs. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
PAs and NPs earn similar salaries, both averaging in the $120,000–$130,000 range nationally. Specific comparisons vary by specialty and location—some data shows PAs slightly higher in surgical roles, while NPs may earn more in certain primary care settings. For detailed NP compensation data, see our nurse practitioner salary guide.
PA vs. Physician
Physicians earn significantly more than PAs. Primary care physicians average $220,000–$260,000, while specialists often earn $300,000–$500,000+. However, physicians complete much longer training (4 years medical school + 3–7 years residency vs. approximately 2–3 years of PA school) and typically accumulate more educational debt. Many PAs find their career path offers strong income with better work-life balance than the physician track.
PA vs. Registered Nurse (RN)
PAs earn substantially more than RNs. While RNs average $80,000–$95,000 nationally, PAs earn $120,000–$130,000—a 30–50% premium reflecting the additional graduate education and expanded scope of practice.
The PA "Middle Ground"
PAs occupy a compensation middle ground between RN-level and physician-level incomes, with shorter training than physicians but advanced practice responsibilities. This positioning makes the PA career attractive for those seeking high healthcare compensation without the decade-plus training commitment of becoming a physician.
How to Increase Your Physician Assistant Salary
Strategic career decisions can significantly impact your PA compensation over time.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Moving into higher-paying specialties is one of the most effective ways to increase PA earnings. Surgical subspecialties, emergency medicine, and procedural specialties consistently pay more than primary care. If you're interested in a specialty change, pursuing additional training or certifications can open doors to higher-paying roles.
Develop Procedural Skills
PAs who perform procedures—suturing, injections, minor surgeries, central lines, intubations—often earn more than those in purely cognitive roles. Expanding your procedural competencies can justify higher compensation.
Consider Higher-Paying Locations
Relocating to a higher-paying state or metro area can significantly boost earnings. However, weigh salary differences against cost-of-living changes. A $140,000 salary in Washington may not go further than $115,000 in a lower-cost state.
Take on Leadership Roles
Lead PA, chief APP, or clinical coordinator positions often include salary premiums for administrative responsibilities. These roles also build skills valuable for further advancement.
Explore Locum Tenens Work
Temporary contract assignments typically pay premium hourly rates—sometimes 20–40% above permanent positions. Some PAs work locum exclusively or mix assignments with part-time permanent employment for higher overall income.
Negotiate Effectively
Many PAs accept initial offers without negotiation. Research market rates for your specialty and location, document your productivity and patient outcomes, and negotiate confidently. Our salary negotiation guide covers specific strategies.
Job Outlook and Work-Life Considerations
Strong Employment Growth
PA job outlook is exceptionally strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects physician assistant employment to grow 28%+ from 2022 to 2032—much faster than average for all occupations. This growth reflects primary care shortages, aging populations, healthcare's push toward cost-effective provider models, and the proven value of PAs across specialties.
Strong demand translates to job security, multiple employment options, and leverage in salary negotiations for qualified PAs.
Work-Life Balance Considerations
While PA salaries are attractive, consider workload and lifestyle when evaluating positions:
Surgical and hospital-based roles often pay more but may require long hours, call responsibilities, and weekend/holiday coverage.
Primary care and outpatient specialty roles typically offer more predictable schedules but may involve high patient volumes and documentation burdens.
Urgent care positions vary widely in compensation and schedule flexibility.
Burnout is a real concern in healthcare. The "highest paying" position isn't always the best choice if it leads to unsustainable workload. Many experienced PAs advise evaluating total value (salary + benefits + schedule + commute + job satisfaction) rather than focusing solely on base pay.
Career Flexibility
One of the PA profession's strengths is lateral mobility. Unlike physicians who typically commit to one specialty, PAs can change specialties throughout their careers with additional training. This flexibility allows PAs to optimize both compensation and lifestyle over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average physician assistant salary in the US in 2025?
The average PA salary in the US is approximately $124,000–$128,000, with median figures around $126,000–$130,000 depending on the data source. Most PAs earn between $100,000 and $150,000, with top earners in high-demand specialties and locations exceeding $165,000.
Which states pay physician assistants the most?
Washington, California, Alaska, Connecticut, Nevada, New York, and Texas consistently rank among the highest-paying states for PAs, with average salaries often reaching $130,000–$150,000+. However, high cost of living in some of these states offsets some of the salary advantage.
What are the highest paying PA specialties?
Surgical subspecialties (cardiovascular, neurosurgery, orthopedics) consistently top PA salary lists, often paying $140,000–$170,000+. Emergency medicine, dermatology, and cardiology also rank among the highest-paying PA specialties. Primary care and family medicine typically pay below specialty averages but offer other benefits.
Is becoming a physician assistant worth it financially?
For most students, yes. PAs earn strong six-figure salaries ($120,000–$130,000 average) with approximately 2–3 years of graduate education. Compared to the physician path (8–12+ years of training), the PA career offers excellent ROI with faster entry into practice. With 28%+ projected job growth and consistent demand, the PA profession offers strong financial prospects.
How long does it take to reach a six-figure PA salary?
Most new graduate PAs start at or near six figures immediately ($95,000–$115,000). Reaching $120,000+ typically takes 2–4 years of experience, though PAs who start in higher-paying specialties or locations may achieve this faster. Those targeting $140,000+ usually need to work in surgical specialties, high-demand markets, or accumulate significant experience.