How much does a Physician Assistant make?
A Physician Assistant (PA) has a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. The average yearly salary for a PA is about $141,700. This salary can vary based on different factors, such as experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
Physician Assistants can earn a good living, but their earnings often increase with more experience. PAs often start with lower salaries but see significant raises as they gain more years in the field. Top-earning PAs can make over $200,000 per year. Salary can also differ based on where the PA works. For example, those in urban areas or specialized fields might earn more than those in rural or general practices.
What are the highest paying cities for a Physician Assistant?

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Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $249,332
In Yuma, healthcare providers have a chance to work in a vibrant community. Yuma Regional Medical Center offers a supportive environment for growth. The demand for healthcare services keeps the job market steady.
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Tyler, TX
Average Salary: $196,744
Tyler provides a friendly atmosphere for healthcare professionals. The city's growing population needs quality medical care. UT Health East Texas is a prominent employer in the region.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $186,644
San Francisco offers a dynamic healthcare landscape. The city attracts top talent with its prestigious institutions. UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent opportunities for professional development.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $177,196
San Jose is a tech hub with many healthcare opportunities. The city's diverse population seeks a variety of medical services. Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente are key employers.
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Springfield, MO
Average Salary: $173,410
Springfield offers a balanced lifestyle with a growing healthcare sector. CoxHealth and Mercy are leading employers. The city’s supportive community makes it a great place to work.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $173,263
Milwaukee provides a rich healthcare environment. Froedtert Health and Ascension Wisconsin are major employers. The city offers diverse experiences in both urban and suburban settings.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $171,601
Modesto has a strong healthcare demand. The city's growing population needs quality medical services. Kaiser Permanente and Doctors Medical Center are key employers.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $168,110
Los Angeles offers a diverse and dynamic work environment. The city has many top-tier medical institutions. UCLA Health and Cedars-Sinai provide excellent career opportunities.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $165,861
Stockton provides a stable job market with growing healthcare needs. The city’s community-focused approach makes it welcoming. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente offer great career paths.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $164,565
Bakersfield has a thriving healthcare sector. The city’s growing population needs more medical services. Kern Medical and Adventist Health are significant employers.
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What are the best companies a Physician Assistant can work for?

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BAS HealthCare
Average Salary: $245,000
BAS HealthCare offers competitive pay and benefits for Physician Assistants. They focus on providing high-quality healthcare services and have locations in many states across the U.S. Their work environment is supportive and encourages professional growth.
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Greenstaff Medical
Average Salary: $235,115
Greenstaff Medical values Physician Assistants and offers a rewarding work experience. This company operates nationwide with a focus on patient care. They provide excellent benefits and opportunities for career advancement.
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Ascend Medical
Average Salary: $228,321
Ascend Medical is known for its competitive salaries for Physician Assistants. They have various locations and strive to deliver top-notch medical services. Their work environment is dynamic and encourages teamwork.
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UC Irvine Health
Average Salary: $225,888
UC Irvine Health offers excellent salaries for Physician Assistants. They have a strong reputation for medical excellence and research. Locations include Orange and Irvine, CA, where they provide comprehensive healthcare services.
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Skin And Cancer Institute
Average Salary: $214,776
Skin And Cancer Institute offers a rewarding position for Physician Assistants. They focus on dermatology and cancer care with locations in California. The company values patient care and professional development.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $211,551
Sutter Health offers competitive pay for Physician Assistants. They operate in Northern California with a commitment to patient care. The company provides a supportive work environment and opportunities for career growth.
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Keck Medicine of USC
Average Salary: $211,377
Keck Medicine of USC offers a good salary for Physician Assistants. They focus on providing high-quality medical care and have locations in Southern California. Their work environment is collaborative and supportive.
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FlexStaff
Average Salary: $211,250
FlexStaff offers a competitive salary for Physician Assistants. They have multiple locations across the U.S. and provide a range of healthcare services. Their work environment is dynamic and encourages flexibility.
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IQVIA
Average Salary: $205,000
IQVIA offers a good salary for Physician Assistants. They operate globally with a focus on healthcare information technology. Locations include major cities in the U.S. and Europe. Their work environment is fast-paced and innovative.
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Medstaff Group
Average Salary: $196,785
Medstaff Group offers a competitive salary for Physician Assistants. They have locations across the U.S. and focus on providing quality medical staffing. Their work environment is supportive and focused on professional growth.
How to earn more as a Physician Assistant?
Physician Assistants (PAs) play a vital role in healthcare. They work alongside doctors and other medical professionals. Increasing your earning potential can be both fulfilling and rewarding. Consider these factors to boost your salary as a PA.
First, gaining experience is key. The more you work, the more valuable you become. Many employers offer higher pay to PAs with more experience. Working in high-demand areas or specialties can also lead to better pay. For example, those who specialize in emergency medicine or surgery often earn more. Another way to increase pay is through certifications. Achieving board certification in a specialty can lead to higher salaries. Additionally, working in urban areas or regions with a shortage of healthcare providers can increase your earning potential. Finally, consider pursuing a master’s degree or additional training. This can open up higher-paying opportunities.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a PA:
- Gain more experience in your field
- Specialize in high-demand areas or specialties
- Get board certification in your specialty
- Work in urban areas or regions with a shortage of healthcare providers
- Pursue advanced degrees or additional training



