Salary of a Physician Assistant
Average Salary of a Physician Assistant in 2025
Are you considering a career as a Physician Assistant? Or perhaps you’re already a PA and are curious about your salary? Let's explore your options together!
This blog will show you exactly what physician assistants will earn in 2025.
We'll break down salaries by experience level, location, and specialty. You'll also learn how to grow your salary and get answers to common questions about PA pay. Knowing your career worth in 2025 is more important than ever.
We'll answer questions like: What's the starting salary for new PAs? How much do experienced PAs make? Which states pay the most? What can you do to earn more money?
By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what to expect from a PA salary.
What's the Average Salary of a Physician Assistant in the USA?
$124,230 per year (Average)
We calculated this average salary by looking at data from multiple trusted sources. Salary.com reports the average salary for a Physician Assistant is $124,230 per year in the United States. PayScale shows a figure of $111,066 in 2025, which is lower than previous estimates.
The American Academy of PAs (AAPA) says the median pay rose to $134,000 in 2024. This is an increase from $127,000 in 2023. This shows that PA salaries are growing year over year.
The salary increase from last year is due to a high demand for healthcare workers. More people need medical care. PAs are in short supply, which pushes wages higher.
Physician Assistant Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $124,230 per year from Salary.com. Other sources show ranges from $111,066 (PayScale) to $134,000 (AAPA median).
Salary range: PAs earn $70,000 at the 10th percentile and $201,000 at the 90th percentile, per Zippia. This wide range shows how location, experience, and specialty affect pay.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level: New PAs usually make about $106,713, according to Salary.com. Some reports say entry-level salaries start at $47,831.
Mid-career: PAs with 5 to 10 years of experience earn $120,000 to $140,000 per year.
Senior-level: Veteran PAs with more than 10 years of experience can earn $150,000 or more per year.
75th percentile: PAs in the 75th percentile earn about $160,000 to $180,000 each year.
Physician Assistant Salary Regional Comparison
Location plays a big role in how much PAs earn. States with higher costs of living usually pay more, but the extra money might not go as far. Big cities often offer the highest salaries, but rent and other expenses are also higher.
Here's how salaries compare across major regions:
*Estimated based on cost of living and regional wage data from various job platforms.
California has high salary numbers, but the cost of living is also high. This means your buying power is lower than it seems. States like Texas may provide better value.
This is because living costs there are much lower compared to the salary difference.
6 Tips to Grow Your Salary as a Physician Assistant
1. Get Specialty Certification: Orthopedic PAs make a median of $128,000 based on AAPA data. Focusing on in-demand fields like orthopedics, emergency medicine, or surgery can boost your salary by 15-25%.
2. Gain More Experience: PAs with 5-10 years make $120,000 to $140,000. Those with over 10 years can earn $150,000 or more. Each year of experience typically adds $3,000 to $5,000 to your salary.
3. Move to Higher-Paying States: PAs in California earn $153,960 a year. That’s $30,000 above the national average. Moving to states like California, New York, or Alaska can boost earnings a lot, research shows.
4. Negotiate Bonuses: Nearly 57% of full-time PAs received a bonus in 2024. Ask for performance bonuses, signing bonuses, or annual bonuses during salary talks.
5. Work in High-Demand Settings: Emergency departments, surgery centers, and specialty clinics often pay 10-20% more than family practice. These settings need PAs who can handle complex cases.
6. Continue Your Education: Earning a master's degree or getting more certifications can boost your income. Many employers offer pay increases for advanced degrees or continuing education credits.
FAQs About Physician Assistant Salaries
Is the average salary of a physician assistant before or after tax?
All salary numbers we shared are gross annual salaries before taxes. You'll need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts.
Does the average salary of a Physician Assistant include bonuses?
No, the base salary numbers don't include bonuses. But 57% of PAs received bonuses in 2024, which can add $5,000-$15,000 to total compensation.
What is the starting salary for a new physician assistant?
Entry-level PAs typically have a starting salary of $106,713, according to Salary.com. However, this can vary greatly based on location and specialty.
How much do physician assistants make per hour?
Entry-level PAs earn about $52 per hour on average. Experienced PAs can earn $60 to $80 per hour or more.
Which specialty pays physician assistants the most?
Specialty areas like orthopedics show median salaries of $128,000. Pain management, surgery, and emergency medicine typically offer the highest pay.
Do physician assistants get paid more than nurses?
Yes, PAs typically earn a higher salary than registered nurses. The average PA salary of $124,000 is about $40,000 to $50,000 higher than most RN positions.
How often do physician assistant salaries increase?
PA median compensation increased from $127,000 in 2023 to $134,000 in 2024, showing yearly growth of about 5% to 6%.
What benefits do physician assistants receive as a common practice?
Most PA jobs offer health insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. They also include allowances for continuing education. Some employers also offer malpractice insurance coverage.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from different international salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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