How much does a Physician Assistant make?
Physician Assistants (PAs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They work with doctors and provide a range of medical services. Their jobs often involve examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, and even prescribing medication. The average yearly salary for a PA is around $142,054. This makes it a rewarding career choice for many.
The salary can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of healthcare setting. Here are some details:
- The lowest 10% earn about $80,000 annually.
- The next 22.5% earn between $80,000 and $119,873.
- The middle 50% earn between $119,873 and $159,745.
- The next 17.5% earn between $159,745 and $186,327.
- The top 10% earn more than $186,327 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Physician Assistant?

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Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $249,637
In Yuma, opportunities abound for those in the medical field. Many healthcare facilities, including Yuma Regional Medical Center, offer dynamic roles. The warm climate and smaller community setting make it a welcoming place to work and live.
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Tyler, TX
Average Salary: $196,744
Tyler boasts a strong healthcare sector with many opportunities. Major employers like UT Health Tyler provide excellent benefits and a supportive environment. The city's friendly atmosphere and community spirit add to the appeal.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $192,562
San Francisco offers a bustling healthcare scene with numerous opportunities. UCSF Health and other prominent institutions provide cutting-edge care. The city's diverse population and vibrant culture offer a unique experience.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $177,415
San Jose's healthcare system is dynamic and innovative. Companies like Stanford Health Care provide excellent roles. The tech-savvy environment and quality of life make it an attractive place to work.
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Springfield, MO
Average Salary: $173,410
Springfield offers a stable healthcare market with many opportunities. CoxHealth and Mercy are leading employers in the area. The city's affordable living costs and welcoming community enhance the professional experience.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $171,921
Milwaukee's healthcare sector is robust, with institutions like Froedtert Hospital offering numerous positions. The city's rich cultural scene and family-friendly environment complement a rewarding career in medicine.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $171,251
Modesto provides a friendly and supportive environment for medical professionals. Companies like Kaiser Permanente offer strong career opportunities. The city's affordable living and community spirit make it an ideal place to work.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $168,853
Los Angeles offers a diverse and dynamic healthcare landscape. Major employers like Cedars-Sinai provide numerous opportunities. The city's vibrant culture and entertainment options make it a unique place to practice medicine.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $166,684
Stockton's healthcare sector is growing, with many opportunities available. St. Joseph's Medical Center and other institutions offer stable roles. The city's affordable living and family-friendly environment enhance the professional experience.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $164,874
Bakersfield offers a supportive environment for medical professionals. Key employers include Kern Medical and other local hospitals. The city's affordable cost of living and friendly community add to the appeal.
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What are the best companies a Physician Assistant can work for?

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Greenstaff Medical
Average Salary: $235,115
Greenstaff Medical offers rewarding opportunities for Physician Assistants. They serve clients nationwide, including locations such as California, Texas, and New York. The company provides competitive salaries and benefits, making it a top choice for PAs.
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Ascend Medical
Average Salary: $226,077
Ascend Medical is known for its excellent pay and career growth for Physician Assistants. They operate in states like Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Ascend Medical provides a supportive environment and offers various specialty options.
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UC Irvine Health
Average Salary: $223,625
UC Irvine Health offers dynamic positions for Physician Assistants in California. The institution is well-known for its cutting-edge medical research and teaching. They provide a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
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Georgia Medical Staffing, LLC
Average Salary: $221,538
Georgia Medical Staffing, LLC, provides high-paying roles for Physician Assistants in Georgia. They focus on delivering exceptional patient care and offer a supportive work environment. Their positions are located across various medical facilities in the state.
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FlexStaff
Average Salary: $215,000
FlexStaff offers competitive salaries for Physician Assistants. They have opportunities in states like New York and California. They focus on providing diverse experiences and career growth, making it a great choice for PAs.
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Keck Medicine of USC
Average Salary: $211,377
Keck Medicine of USC provides excellent career opportunities for Physician Assistants in California. They offer a comprehensive benefits package and a collaborative work environment. Their positions are available in major medical centers.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $211,168
Sutter Health offers rewarding positions for Physician Assistants in California. They provide a supportive work environment and competitive salaries. Their facilities are spread across the state, offering a range of specialties.
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Skin And Cancer Institute
Average Salary: $207,379
Skin And Cancer Institute provides competitive opportunities for Physician Assistants, focusing on dermatology and oncology. They have locations in Florida and California. Their supportive environment makes it a great place to work.
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IQVIA
Average Salary: $205,000
IQVIA offers dynamic positions for Physician Assistants in the healthcare research sector. They have locations across the United States. IQVIA provides a competitive salary and opportunities for career advancement.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $201,719
Stanford Health Care offers excellent opportunities for Physician Assistants in California. They are known for their innovative medical practices and research. Their positions provide competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.
How to earn more as a Physician Assistant?
Working as a Physician Assistant (PA) offers a rewarding career with a stable income. However, like many professionals, PAs look for ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on certain areas, PAs can significantly boost their income potential. These strategies not only enhance job satisfaction but also open up more opportunities for growth and advancement.
Consider these five factors that can help a Physician Assistant earn more. Prioritizing continuous education and certification can lead to higher-paying positions. Specializing in a niche area such as sports medicine or pediatrics can also increase demand and salary. Geographic location plays a key role, as certain regions offer higher wages due to cost of living and demand. Working in a higher-demand specialty or critical care setting can lead to premium pay. Finally, gaining experience and advancing to leadership roles can result in a substantial salary increase.
Focusing on these areas allows PAs to maximize their earning potential. This proactive approach not only improves financial stability but also enhances career satisfaction and opportunities for advancement.
- Continuous Education and Certification: Ongoing training and certifications can make a PA more competitive in the job market.
- Specialization: Focusing on a specific area of medicine can make a PA more valuable to employers.
- Geographic Location: Working in areas with higher demand and cost of living can lead to higher salaries.
- Specialty and Critical Care: Positions in high-demand specialties or critical care can offer premium pay.
- Experience and Leadership: Advancing in experience and taking on leadership roles can result in significant salary increases.



