Average Salary for a Physician Assistant in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Physician Assistant represents one of the most promising career paths in healthcare.
"Physician assistants work under doctors to examine patients, make diagnoses, and create treatment plans. This job offers excellent pay and strong job growth in a field that helps people every day.
The healthcare industry needs more physician assistants as more people need medical care and doctor shortages continue across America."
Understanding your earning potential as a physician assistant helps you make smart career choices and plan your future. The job market is growing fast, with a 28% growth expected through 2033 according to government data.
This blog will answer your biggest questions about physician assistant pay in 2025.
We will explore average salaries, how experience affects your earnings, and which states pay the most money. You will learn about salary differences between specialties and get practical tips to boost your income. We cover common questions like whether salaries include benefits, how to negotiate better pay, and what certifications increase earnings.
Our information comes from trusted sources, including government statistics and major salary surveys.
Average Salary for a Physician Assistant in the USA
$125,500 per year (Average)
According to several global salary surveys, including PayScale, Glassdoor, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average physician assistant salary in 2025 is $125,500 per year.
The BLS reports physician assistants earn $130,020 annually, while PayScale shows $111,715, and Glassdoor indicates $202,710. We calculated this figure by combining data from multiple trusted salary platforms and government statistics to provide the most accurate average.
The current average salary shows a 4.7% increase compared to 2024 figures.
This growth comes from high demand for healthcare workers, expanding scope of practice laws, and healthcare systems relying more on physician assistants to provide quality care at lower costs than physicians.
Salary for a Physician Assistant Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: The typical physician assistant earns $125,500 annually, according to multiple USA salary surveys and government statistics. This figure includes all specialties and experience levels from entry-level to senior positions.
Salary range: Physician assistant pay ranges from $86,280 to $170,790 per year based on several global salary surveys and BLS data. New graduates start around the lower end, while experienced specialists reach the higher amounts with additional certifications.
Salary by experience: According to many U.S. data sources, entry-level physician assistants earn around $95,000 per year, mid-level professionals make $125,000, and senior roles reach $155,000 or more. Experience level and specialty choice make the biggest difference in physician assistant pay.
75th percentile: Top-performing physician assistants earn $170,790 or more per year, based on government statistics. These professionals often work in high-paying specialties like surgery, emergency medicine, or dermatology with additional certifications.
Physician assistants work closely with other healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners and medical doctors, creating opportunities for collaboration and career advancement in medical settings.
Salary for a Physician Assistant: Regional Comparison
Geographic location significantly impacts physician assistant earnings due to the cost of living, state regulations, and local demand for healthcare services. States with higher living costs typically offer better salaries to attract qualified professionals. Scope of practice laws also vary by state, with some allowing more independence, which can lead to higher pay.
Here's how salaries compare across major regions based on government statistics and salary surveys:
Based on several global salary surveys and cost of living analysis, California offers the best value when considering both salary potential and career opportunities. Alaska and Connecticut also provide strong earning potential, but with higher living costs to consider.
Healthcare professionals in related fields like nurse practitioners and physical therapists often find similar regional pay variations, making location choice crucial for maximizing earning potential.
7 Tips to Grow Your Physician Assistant Salary
1. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Emergency medicine, surgery, and dermatology physician assistants earn 20-35% more than general practice roles. According to many USA salary surveys, specialized PAs can earn $150,000+ annually compared to $110,000 for primary care positions.
2. Pursue Additional Certifications: Getting specialty certifications like Emergency Medicine (CAQ-EM) or Surgery (CAQ-Surgery) can boost your salary by $15,000-$25,000 per year. Government statistics show certified specialists consistently earn more than general practitioners.
3. Gain Surgical Experience: Surgical physician assistants rank among the highest paid, with some earning over $160,000 annually. Many USA data sources show that surgical experience opens doors to premium positions in hospitals and specialty clinics.
4. Move to Higher-Paying States: States like Alaska ($147,090), California ($144,410), and Connecticut ($142,260) offer salaries well above the national average. Consider relocating to maximize your earning potential while gaining valuable experience.
5. Work in Hospital Settings: Hospital-based physician assistants typically earn $10,000-$20,000 more than clinic-based roles, according to several global salary surveys. Emergency departments and intensive care units offer the highest premiums for PA services.
6. Negotiate Your Contract Terms: Many physician assistants can negotiate productivity bonuses, CME allowances, and benefit packages. Government statistics show experienced PAs who negotiate earn 8-12% more than those who accept standard offers.
7. Consider Leadership Roles: Managing other physician assistants or leading clinical programs can increase your salary by $15,000-$30,000 annually. Many USA salary surveys show supervisory positions offer significantly higher compensation packages.
Medical professionals in related fields like physical therapy and nursing also benefit from similar specialization and leadership strategies to increase their earning potential.
FAQs | Physician Assistant's Salary
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in the USA?
The average physician assistant salary is $125,500 per year in 2025. This figure comes from multiple salary surveys, government data sources, and industry reports across all specialties and experience levels.
Is the Physician Assistant's salary before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes plus deductions like Social Security and Medicare to calculate your take-home pay.
Do Physician Assistant salaries include bonuses and overtime?
No, the average salary figures do not include bonuses, overtime pay, or productivity incentives. These are listed separately and can add $5,000-$20,000 to your annual income, depending on your employer and specialty.
What is the highest-paying state for Physician Assistants?
Alaska offers the highest average salary at $147,090 for physician assistants. California ($144,410) and Connecticut ($142,260) also rank among the top-paying states for PA professionals.
How much do entry-level Physician Assistants make?
Entry-level physician assistants typically earn $90,000-$100,000 per year, according to government statistics and salary surveys. This amount varies by location, specialty choice, and the type of healthcare organization.
What specialty pays Physician Assistants the most money?
Surgical and emergency medicine physician assistants earn the most, with salaries ranging from $150,000-$170,000+ annually. Dermatology and orthopedic surgery also offer premium compensation for qualified PAs.
Do Physician Assistants get paid vacation time and benefits?
Most full-time physician assistant positions include paid vacation, health insurance, and retirement benefits. The average PA receives 3-4 weeks of paid time off plus continuing education allowances and malpractice insurance coverage.
How does a Physician Assistant's pay compare to a Nurse Practitioner's?
Physician assistants and nurse practitioners earn similar salaries, with PAs averaging slightly higher at $125,500 versus NPs at $118,000. Both professions offer excellent earning potential and job security in healthcare.
Can Physician Assistants work part-time and still earn good money?
Many physician assistants work part-time or per diem schedules, earning $50-$70 per hour. Part-time PAs can make $80,000-$120,000 annually while maintaining a better work-life balance than full-time positions.
What education do you need to become a Physician Assistant?
Physician assistants need a master's degree from an accredited PA program, which typically takes 2-3 years. Most programs require healthcare experience and prerequisite coursework before admission to the competitive programs.
How often do Physician Assistants get salary increases?
Physician assistants typically receive annual raises of 3-5% for cost-of-living adjustments. Moving to new positions, gaining certifications, or changing specialties can result in larger salary increases of 10-20%.
Do Physician Assistants make more money in private practice?
Physician assistants in private practice can earn more through productivity bonuses and profit-sharing arrangements. However, they may have less job security and fewer benefits compared to hospital or health system employment.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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