Salary of a Physician Assistant – Earnings and Hourly Wages

Are you considering a career as a Physician Assistant (PA)? One of the key factors to consider is the salary potential of this profession. PAs play a vital role in the healthcare system, working closely with physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. In this article, we will explore the average salary of a Physician Assistant, factors that can affect their earnings, and the highest paid specialties in the field.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for Physician Assistants in the US is $118,812 per year or $57.12 per hour. However, it’s important to note that this is just an average, and the salary range for PAs can vary significantly.

Key Takeaways:

The average salary of a Physician Assistant in the US is $118,812 per year or $57.12 per hour.
The salary range for PAs can vary from $70,000 to $201,000 per year.
Several factors can influence a PA’s salary, including location, education, experience, and specialty.
The highest paid PA specialties are dermatology and critical care medicine.
Physician Assistant salaries can vary by state, with Vermont having the highest average salary.

Factors Affecting Physician Assistant Salary

The salary of a physician assistant can be influenced by several factors, including location, education, experience, and specialty.

Physician assistants in high-demand specialties such as dermatology and critical care medicine tend to earn higher salaries. These specialties require specialized knowledge and skills, which can lead to higher compensation.

Location also plays a significant role in determining a physician assistant’s salary. The cost of living and the demand for healthcare professionals in a particular area can impact salary levels. For example, physician assistants working in metropolitan areas with higher living expenses may receive higher salaries to offset the increased cost of living.

Education and experience are two factors that can contribute to higher salaries for physician assistants. Those with advanced degrees or additional certifications may have an edge when negotiating salaries. Similarly, physician assistants with several years of experience may earn higher salaries compared to new graduates.

“Physician assistants in high-demand specialties such as dermatology and critical care medicine tend to earn higher salaries.”

Specialty Salaries Comparison

Specialty
Average Salary

Dermatology
$129,246

Critical Care Medicine
$125,522

Orthopedic Surgery
$120,210

Emergency Medicine
$115,980

Anesthesia
$110,430

As shown in the table above, physician assistants specializing in dermatology have the highest average salary, followed by those in critical care medicine. It’s important to note that these figures represent average salaries and individual compensation may vary based on factors such as location and experience.

Overall, the salary of a physician assistant is influenced by various factors such as specialty, location, education, and experience. Understanding these factors can help aspiring physician assistants make informed career choices and negotiate competitive salaries.

Highest Paid Physician Assistant Specialties

Physician assistants (PAs) have the opportunity to specialize in various medical fields, and certain specialties offer higher salaries than others. If you’re looking for a top-paying PA specialty, consider the following:

Dermatology: With an average salary of $129,246 per year, dermatology is one of the highest-paid specialties for PAs. In this field, PAs assist dermatologists in diagnosing and treating skin conditions.
Critical Care Medicine: Critical care medicine is another lucrative specialty for PAs, with an average salary of $125,522 per year. PAs in this field work in intensive care units and provide comprehensive care to critically ill patients.

In addition to dermatology and critical care medicine, other well-paying PA specialties include:

Orthopedic Surgery
Emergency Medicine
Anesthesia

These specialties offer rewarding career paths for PAs who are interested in pursuing higher salary potential and working in specialized areas of medicine.

Specialty
Average Salary

Dermatology
$129,246 per year

Critical Care Medicine
$125,522 per year

Orthopedic Surgery
Salary Data Not Available

Emergency Medicine
Salary Data Not Available

Anesthesia
Salary Data Not Available

Physician Assistant Salary by State

When considering a career as a physician assistant, it’s important to take into account the variations in salaries from state to state. The average salary for physician assistants across the United States is $118,812 per year or $57.12 per hour, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the specific salary for physician assistants can differ significantly depending on the state of employment.

Top 5 States with Highest Physician Assistant Salaries

State
Average Salary

Vermont
$162,792

Massachusetts
$141,520

Connecticut
$138,060

New York
$137,110

New Jersey
$135,530

Vermont claims the top spot with the highest average salary for physician assistants at $162,792 per year. Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey follow closely behind. These states not only offer attractive salaries but also provide a wealth of opportunities for physician assistants.

States with Lowest Physician Assistant Salaries

State
Average Salary

Alabama
$94,970

Oklahoma
$92,900

Missouri
$92,460

On the other end of the spectrum, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Missouri are among the states with the lowest average salaries for physician assistants. While these states may offer other advantages, such as a lower cost of living, it’s important to consider earnings potential when making career decisions.

These salary differences among states highlight the importance of considering location when pursuing a career as a physician assistant. Factors such as cost of living, demand for professionals, and regional healthcare dynamics can all impact the salary levels in different states.

By understanding the average salaries in various states and analyzing the factors that contribute to these variations, aspiring physician assistants can make more informed decisions about where to work and what to expect in terms of compensation.

Job Growth and Demand for Physician Assistants

The job growth for physician assistants is projected to be much higher than the national average. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the number of physician assistant jobs in Texas is expected to increase by 44.1% between 2012 and 2022. The demand for physician assistants is driven by factors such as an aging population, increased access to healthcare, and a shortage of primary care providers.

The aging population in the United States has resulted in a higher demand for healthcare services, including primary care. Physician assistants play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing quality healthcare services under physician supervision.

Additionally, physician assistants are often more accessible and available than traditional doctors, making them valuable assets in rural and underserved areas. Their ability to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and provide preventive care make them essential in improving healthcare access and outcomes.

Key Factors Driving Job Growth for Physician Assistants

Rising demand for primary care services due to an aging population and increased access to healthcare.
Nationwide shortage of primary care physicians, with physician assistants filling the gap.
Physician assistants’ ability to perform a wide range of medical tasks under physician supervision, improving efficiency and patient care outcomes.

“Physician assistants are becoming increasingly valuable in the healthcare industry, addressing the demand for accessible and quality primary care services.”

Projected Job Growth for Physician Assistants

State
Projected Job Growth (2012-2022)

Texas
44.1%

California
31.4%

Florida
32.7%

New York
30.6%

Pennsylvania
28.4%

Physician Assistant Salaries by Metropolitan Area

When it comes to physician assistant salaries, the location plays a significant role. Physician assistant salaries can vary widely depending on the metropolitan area. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, physician assistants in Longview, Texas, had the second-highest average salary of any metropolitan area in the country, earning an impressive $151,670 per year on average.

Other cities known for offering high physician assistant salaries include Tyler, San Francisco, Boston, and Hartford.

“Physician assistants in Longview, Texas, have the opportunity to earn top-tier salaries, making it an attractive city for aspiring PAs looking to maximize their earning potential.”

To get a clearer picture of the variation in physician assistant salaries by metropolitan area, let’s take a look at the following table:

Metropolitan Area
Average Salary

Longview, Texas
$151,670

Tyler, Texas
$146,480

San Francisco, California
$142,210

Boston, Massachusetts
$138,480

Hartford, Connecticut
$137,170

As shown in the table above, the top paying cities for physician assistants offer salaries well above the national average, providing excellent opportunities for financial growth and career advancement.

Physician Assistant Salaries by Years of Experience

The salary of a physician assistant can increase significantly with years of experience. According to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), physician assistants with 15-19 years of experience tend to earn higher salaries compared to new graduates.

Experience plays a crucial role in determining a physician assistant’s earning potential. As PAs gain more experience and expertise, they become more valuable assets to their employers, which often leads to higher compensation.

Let’s take a closer look at the average salaries based on years of experience:

Years of Experience
Average Salary

Less than 1 year
$85,000

1-4 years
$95,000

5-9 years
$105,000

10-14 years
$115,000

15-19 years
$125,000

20+ years
$135,000+

It’s important to note that the salary range for the most experienced physician assistants can be significantly higher than those just entering practice. As PAs continue to gain experience and expertise in their field, they may have opportunities for career advancements and higher salaries.

Having a solid understanding of how physician assistant salaries can progress over time can help individuals in the field plan their career paths and set realistic salary expectations.

Additional Benefits and Compensation for Physician Assistants

In addition to their base salary, physician assistants (PAs) are often provided with a range of additional benefits and compensation. These extra perks not only enhance their overall compensation package but also contribute to their job satisfaction and well-being.

1. Bonuses: Many PAs have the opportunity to earn bonuses based on their performance, patient satisfaction, or meeting specific goals. These bonuses can provide a significant boost to their income and act as a reward for their hard work.

2. Professional Development Compensation: PAs are encouraged to continually enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest medical advancements. To support their professional growth, employers may offer financial assistance for continuing education courses, conferences, certifications, and professional memberships.

3. Health Insurance: Healthcare coverage is an essential benefit provided to physician assistants. It ensures that PAs have access to comprehensive medical care for themselves and their families, contributing to their overall well-being and peace of mind.

4. Retirement Benefits: Many employers offer retirement plans, such as 401(k) or similar investment options, to help physician assistants prepare for their future and ensure financial security in their retirement years.

5. Paid Time Off (PTO): PAs are entitled to paid vacation days, holidays, and sick leave. This allows them to take time off for rest, relaxation, personal commitments, or when they need to recover from an illness or injury.

6. Other Benefits: Depending on the employer and individual contract agreements, physician assistants may also receive additional benefits such as disability insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and employee wellness programs.

“The additional benefits and compensation offered to physician assistants not only recognize their valuable contributions but also help attract and retain top talent in the healthcare field.”

Overall, these additional benefits and compensation packages demonstrate the commitment of employers to prioritize the well-being and professional development of physician assistants. By providing a comprehensive and competitive compensation package, organizations can attract and retain skilled PAs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Comparison of Physician Assistant Salary to Other Healthcare Professions

When considering a career in healthcare, individuals often contemplate the potential salary they can expect. Physician assistants (PAs) are no exception, as their earnings play a vital role in their career decisions. It’s essential to understand how a PA’s salary compares to that of other healthcare professions.

According to recent data, the average salary for physician assistants is $118,812 per year. While this is a respectable figure, it’s interesting to compare it to the salaries of other healthcare professionals.

Let’s take a closer look at how a PA’s salary compares to that of general practice physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses:

Healthcare Profession
Average Salary

General Practice Physicians
$227,395

Nurse Practitioners
$118,040

Registered Nurses
$82,750

Note: The data provided represents national averages and may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and specialty.

From the table above, it is evident that physician assistants have a competitive salary compared to other healthcare professionals. While the average salary for general practice physicians surpasses that of PAs, it’s essential to consider the extensive education and training required to become a doctor.

Furthermore, although nurse practitioners have a similar average salary to PAs, physician assistants generally have a broader scope of practice and can work in various medical specialties, maximizing their earning potential.

Additionally, when compared to registered nurses, physician assistants have a significantly higher average salary. This further demonstrates the financial benefits of pursuing a career as a PA.

In conclusion, physician assistants enjoy a competitive salary in the healthcare industry. While the average salary may be lower than that of general practice physicians, PAs have a higher earning potential compared to registered nurses. When considering a career path, aspiring healthcare professionals should carefully evaluate their options and consider the potential financial rewards.

Outlook for Physician Assistant Salary

The outlook for physician assistant salary is promising, with a positive projection for continued growth and increasing demand in the coming years. According to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the average total income for certified PAs has shown a significant increase of 8.7% between 2018 and 2022. This upward trend indicates a favorable future for physician assistant salaries.

One of the key factors contributing to the growth of physician assistant salaries is the expected job growth in the healthcare industry. With an aging population and increased access to healthcare services, the demand for healthcare professionals, including physician assistants, is on the rise. As a result, job opportunities for PAs are expected to expand, leading to a continued upward trajectory in salary levels.

In addition to job growth, opportunities for career advancement also play a role in the positive outlook for physician assistant salaries. As physician assistants gain experience and expertise in their respective fields, they can pursue higher-level positions, such as leadership roles or specialized positions within their specialty. These advancements often come with higher salaries and additional benefits, further contributing to the overall growth of PA salaries.

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