How much does a Physician Assistant make?
Physician Assistants (PAs) play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They work alongside doctors, providing essential medical care to patients. The average yearly salary for a Physician Assistant is around $142,900. This figure can vary based on several factors, such as experience, location, and specialty.
The salary distribution shows that many PAs earn between $105,855 and $147,237 annually. This range covers a significant portion of PAs, highlighting the potential for stable earnings in this profession. For those with more experience or in higher demand, salaries can exceed $188,618. This data suggests that PAs have the opportunity to earn a competitive income.
What are the highest paying cities for a Physician Assistant?

-
Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $246,414
In Yuma, Arizona, you can find rewarding opportunities in healthcare. Working here offers a pleasant climate and a smaller community feel. Local healthcare providers like Yuma Regional Medical Center are always in need of skilled professionals.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Yuma, AZ
-
Tyler, TX
Average Salary: $195,328
Tyler, Texas, offers a growing job market for healthcare workers. The city's dedication to improving healthcare services creates many opportunities. Key employers include UT Health Tyler and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Health System.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Tyler, TX
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $193,579
San Francisco, California, is a bustling city with a high demand for medical professionals. The healthcare sector here is vibrant and dynamic. Major employers include UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $175,320
San Jose, California, provides a thriving environment for healthcare workers. The city's tech-savvy population means a strong focus on innovative healthcare solutions. Key employers include Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $174,684
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers a mix of urban and community-focused healthcare opportunities. The city's commitment to quality healthcare creates many job openings. Notable employers include Froedtert Hospital and Aurora Medical Center.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Milwaukee, WI
-
Springfield, MO
Average Salary: $173,410
Springfield, Missouri, provides a balanced approach to healthcare with both urban and rural settings. The city's healthcare facilities are expanding, offering various opportunities. Key employers include CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital Springfield.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO
-
Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $172,238
Modesto, California, offers a welcoming community with a strong need for healthcare services. The city's growing population creates a demand for skilled professionals. Major employers include Kaiser Permanente and Memorial Medical Center.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $170,341
Los Angeles, California, is a city with endless opportunities in the healthcare field. The large population and diverse community needs drive a high demand for medical services. Key employers include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $165,560
Stockton, California, offers a mix of urban and rural healthcare opportunities. The city's focus on improving healthcare access creates many job openings. Notable employers include Kaiser Permanente and Adventist Health.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Stockton, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $165,368
Santa Rosa, California, provides a charming community with a strong healthcare system. The city's dedication to quality care creates many opportunities for professionals. Key employers include Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
What are the best companies a Physician Assistant can work for?

-
Greenstaff Medical
Average Salary: $242,846
Greenstaff Medical offers Physician Assistant jobs with a high average salary. This company places healthcare professionals in a variety of settings. Locations include urban and rural areas across the country. They focus on delivering high-quality patient care.
-
UC Irvine Health
Average Salary: $234,096
UC Irvine Health provides well-paying Physician Assistant positions. This academic medical center operates in California, offering diverse healthcare services. They emphasize research and education, providing dynamic job opportunities.
-
Ascend Medical
Average Salary: $231,363
Ascend Medical is known for its competitive salaries for Physician Assistants. They work with healthcare facilities nationwide. The company supports a team-oriented approach to patient care, ensuring high standards in medical services.
-
Golden State Dermatology
Average Salary: $229,091
Golden State Dermatology offers attractive salaries for Physician Assistants. They operate in California and focus on dermatological care. The company values a compassionate approach to patient treatment and professional development.
-
Georgia Medical Staffing, LLC
Average Salary: $225,833
Georgia Medical Staffing, LLC provides good compensation for Physician Assistants. They serve locations in Georgia and beyond. This company is dedicated to providing high-quality staffing solutions in the healthcare sector.
-
FlexStaff
Average Salary: $215,000
FlexStaff offers Physician Assistant roles with a strong average salary. They operate in multiple states, providing staffing solutions for various healthcare settings. The company is known for its commitment to quality patient care.
-
Keck Medicine of USC
Average Salary: $211,869
Keck Medicine of USC provides competitive salaries for Physician Assistants. Based in California, this organization combines clinical care with research and education. They offer dynamic and rewarding job opportunities.
-
Sutter Health
Average Salary: $210,675
Sutter Health offers Physician Assistant positions with a good average salary. This large network of healthcare providers operates in California. They focus on delivering comprehensive care and improving community health.
-
Skin And Cancer Institute
Average Salary: $205,022
Skin And Cancer Institute provides Physician Assistant jobs with a solid average salary. They specialize in dermatological services and operate in various locations. The company is committed to excellence in patient care.
-
IQVIA
Average Salary: $205,000
IQVIA offers Physician Assistant roles with a competitive average salary. This global leader in healthcare data and technology operates worldwide. They focus on innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes.
How to earn more as a Physician Assistant?
Physician Assistants (PAs) play a vital role in healthcare, often working alongside doctors to provide patient care. Like other healthcare professionals, PAs may seek ways to increase their earnings. Several strategies can help PAs achieve higher salaries. These strategies range from gaining more experience to specializing in high-demand areas.
First, consider gaining more experience. Experienced PAs often earn more than those just starting out. Working in various healthcare settings can provide a broad skill set. This experience can make a PA more valuable to employers. Second, consider becoming certified in a specialty. Specialties such as surgery, emergency medicine, and dermatology tend to pay more. Certification shows a higher level of expertise and dedication.
- Gain More Experience: Experienced PAs often earn higher salaries.
- Get Certified in a Specialty: Specialties like surgery and emergency medicine pay more.
- Pursue Advanced Degrees: An MBA or a master's in healthcare administration can lead to higher-paying roles.
- Work in High-Demand Locations: Rural or underserved areas often offer higher pay to attract professionals.
- Consider Locum Tenens Work: Temporary assignments can provide higher pay and travel opportunities.



