Physician Assistant Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

How much does a Physician Assistant make?

The average salary for a Physician Assistant is $139,699 per year in the US.

Physician Assistants (PAs) play a vital role in healthcare. They work alongside doctors to provide medical care. Their job involves examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, and even prescribing medications. The average salary for a PA is around $139,699 per year. This figure can vary based on experience and location.


PAs can expect to earn more as they gain more experience. For instance, those with less than a year of experience might earn around $86,140. As they move up to 10 years of experience, salaries can reach up to $195,662. Some PAs, especially those in specialized fields or high-demand areas, can earn even more. This makes the career both rewarding and financially stable.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Physician Assistant?

Physician Assistants can find some of the best pay in Yuma, Arizona, where the average salary is high. Cities like San Francisco, California, and Tyler, Texas, also offer strong compensation packages. Job seekers should consider these locations for better earning potential.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Physician Assistant jobs, highlighting Yuma, AZ with the highest at $244,136 and Bakersfield, CA with the lowest at $163,705.
  1. Yuma, AZ
    Average Salary: $244,136
    In Yuma, healthcare professionals enjoy a warm climate and a growing job market. Yuma Regional Medical Center is a key employer. The city offers a lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a good work-life balance.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Yuma, AZ


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $187,117
    San Francisco offers a vibrant job market with many opportunities. UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers. The city's diverse population and tech industry presence create a dynamic work environment.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Tyler, TX
    Average Salary: $176,619
    Tyler provides a friendly community with a strong healthcare sector. UT Health Tyler and Christus Trinity Clinic are major employers. The city offers a good quality of life with a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Tyler, TX


  4. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $172,566
    Modesto has a growing job market with opportunities in healthcare. Memorial Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente are key employers. The city offers a lower cost of living and a welcoming community atmosphere.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA


  5. Springfield, MO
    Average Salary: $171,876
    Springfield offers a balanced job market with opportunities in healthcare. CoxHealth and Mercy are major employers. The city provides a moderate cost of living and a friendly community.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $169,906
    San Jose is a hub for tech and healthcare jobs. Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers. The city offers a high standard of living but with a higher cost of living.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Peoria, IL
    Average Salary: $169,764
    Peoria offers a stable job market with opportunities in healthcare. OSF HealthCare and Carle Foundation Hospital are key employers. The city provides a lower cost of living and a welcoming community.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Peoria, IL


  8. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $165,439
    Stockton has a growing job market with opportunities in healthcare. Kaiser Permanente and St. Joseph's Medical Center are major employers. The city offers a lower cost of living and a diverse community.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Stockton, CA


  9. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $164,181
    Santa Rosa offers a vibrant job market with opportunities in healthcare. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente are key employers. The city provides a good quality of life with a moderate cost of living.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  10. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $163,705
    Bakersfield has a growing job market with opportunities in healthcare. Kern Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente are major employers. The city offers a lower cost of living and a warm, welcoming community.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Bakersfield, CA

What are the best companies a Physician Assistant can work for?

Physician Assistants can find top-paying jobs with SynergenX Health, Ascend Medical, and BAS HealthCare. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for job seekers. Sutter Health and AMN Healthcare also provide good compensation for Physician Assistants.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Physician Assistant jobs, highlighting SynergenX Health with the highest at $244,783 and AMN Healthcare with the lowest at $206,886.
  1. SynergenX Health
    Average Salary: $244,783
    SynergenX Health offers rewarding Physician Assistant jobs with a focus on patient care and innovation. They operate in multiple locations across the country, providing diverse opportunities for professional growth.


  2. Ascend Medical
    Average Salary: $244,265
    Ascend Medical provides excellent Physician Assistant positions with a strong emphasis on teamwork and patient outcomes. They have facilities in various states, offering a range of environments for professionals to thrive.


  3. BAS HealthCare
    Average Salary: $238,929
    BAS HealthCare is known for its supportive work culture and competitive salaries for Physician Assistants. They serve communities in several regions, ensuring a wide array of job opportunities.


  4. Comprehensive Mobile Care
    Average Salary: $220,000
    Comprehensive Mobile Care offers dynamic Physician Assistant roles with a focus on mobile healthcare services. They operate in multiple locations, providing flexibility and diverse experiences.


  5. Urban Air Adventure Park
    Average Salary: $218,000
    Urban Air Adventure Park provides unique Physician Assistant positions that combine healthcare with recreational services. They have locations in various cities, offering a fun and engaging work environment.


  6. Georgia Medical Staffing, LLC
    Average Salary: $216,923
    Georgia Medical Staffing, LLC offers competitive Physician Assistant jobs with a focus on quality patient care. They serve multiple locations in Georgia, providing a stable and rewarding career path.


  7. Medical Search International
    Average Salary: $216,023
    Medical Search International provides diverse Physician Assistant opportunities with a commitment to excellence in healthcare. They operate in various locations, offering a range of professional experiences.


  8. Skin And Cancer Institute
    Average Salary: $212,216
    Skin And Cancer Institute offers specialized Physician Assistant roles focused on dermatology and oncology. They have facilities in several states, providing a focused and impactful career path.


  9. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $210,238
    Sutter Health provides excellent Physician Assistant positions with a strong emphasis on patient care and community health. They operate in multiple locations, offering a supportive and rewarding work environment.


  10. AMN Healthcare
    Average Salary: $206,886
    AMN Healthcare offers diverse Physician Assistant jobs with a focus on flexibility and professional development. They serve various locations, providing a range of opportunities for career growth.

How to earn more as a Physician Assistant?

A Physician Assistant (PA) can increase their earnings through various strategies. Focusing on specialization can lead to higher pay. Specializations such as surgery, emergency medicine, or dermatology often command higher salaries. Continuing education and certifications also play a significant role. Obtaining additional certifications or advanced degrees can open up higher-paying opportunities. Experience in the field is another key factor. More experienced PAs often earn more than their less experienced counterparts. Location matters as well. Urban areas or regions with a shortage of healthcare providers typically offer higher wages. Networking and building a strong professional reputation can also lead to higher-paying positions.

Location and work setting can greatly impact a PA's salary. Working in a hospital or a busy clinic often provides higher pay compared to private practices. Negotiating salary and benefits effectively is crucial. Knowing the market rates and being prepared to discuss compensation can lead to better offers. Lastly, considering a move to a state with higher demand for PAs can result in better pay. States with a shortage of healthcare providers often offer incentives and higher wages to attract PAs.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Physician Assistant:

  1. Specialization in high-demand areas
  2. Obtaining additional certifications or advanced degrees
  3. Gaining more experience in the field
  4. Choosing a location with higher demand for PAs
  5. Effectively negotiating salary and benefits

Currently 3,357 Physician Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Physician Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Physician Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Physician Assistant today.
Position
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Physician Assistant
3,357 Job Openings