How much does a Physician Assistant make?
A Physician Assistant (PA) can earn a rewarding salary. The average yearly income for a PA is about $145,383. This means they make a good living. It also means they help many people stay healthy and well.
The salary of a PA can vary based on their experience and location. Here is a look at the different salary ranges:
- 10% of PAs make less than $80,000.
- 20% of PAs earn between $80,000 and $123,636.
- 40% of PAs make between $123,636 and $167,273.
- 30% of PAs earn more than $167,273.
These numbers show that with more experience, a PA can earn a higher salary. A higher salary often means more job satisfaction and better benefits. This career path offers both good pay and the chance to help others.
What are the highest paying cities for a Physician Assistant?

-
Yuma, AZ
Average Salary: $231,800
In Yuma, Arizona, professionals find a supportive environment in well-regarded hospitals like Yuma Regional Medical Center. Working here, you can expect a fast-paced setting with opportunities to expand your skills in various medical areas. The sunny weather and welcoming community enhance the overall experience.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Yuma, AZ
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $199,182
San Francisco offers a dynamic job market with top-tier medical facilities such as UCSF Health. Job seekers here benefit from a diverse patient population and innovative healthcare practices. The city’s vibrant atmosphere provides a perfect blend of professional growth and personal enrichment.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Tyler, TX
Average Salary: $197,366
In Tyler, Texas, you will find a growing healthcare sector with prominent employers like UT Health Tyler. The community is friendly and supportive, making it a great place to build a career. The cost of living is reasonable, and the area offers many outdoor activities.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Tyler, TX
-
Topeka, KS
Average Salary: $196,585
Topeka, Kansas, provides a stable job market with significant opportunities at hospitals like Stormont Vail Health. The city’s smaller size means close-knit communities and a lower cost of living. You can enjoy a balanced work-life schedule while contributing to the local healthcare needs.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Topeka, KS
-
Springfield, MO
Average Salary: $181,662
Springfield, Missouri, is home to healthcare institutions like CoxHealth. Here, you can expect a friendly community and a growing job market. The city offers a good balance of urban amenities and a relaxed lifestyle, making it an attractive place to work.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Springfield, MO
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $179,953
San Jose, California, features a thriving tech industry with major employers such as Stanford Health Care. This city provides a fast-paced environment with many opportunities for professional development. The vibrant culture and proximity to Silicon Valley add to the appeal.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $172,640
Los Angeles offers a diverse job market with prominent healthcare providers like Cedars-Sinai. The city’s diversity and dynamic atmosphere make it an exciting place to work. The cost of living is high, but the opportunities for career advancement are abundant.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $169,515
Modesto, California, provides a community-focused environment with employers like Kaiser Permanente. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to larger urban areas. You can enjoy a balanced lifestyle while contributing to the healthcare needs of the region.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA
-
Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $169,251
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you will find a robust healthcare system with major employers like Froedtert Health. The city’s strong community support and relatively low cost of living make it an attractive place for job seekers. Outdoor activities and cultural events add to the city’s charm.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Milwaukee, WI
-
Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $167,057
Santa Maria, California, offers a close-knit community with opportunities at hospitals like French Hospital Medical Center. The area provides a relaxed lifestyle with beautiful beaches nearby. The smaller size of the community allows for strong professional relationships and personal connections.
Find Physician Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA
What are the best companies a Physician Assistant can work for?

-
HCA HealthONE Aurora
Average Salary: $440,789
HCA HealthONE Aurora is a leading healthcare provider known for offering top-tier Physician Assistant roles. The company operates across Colorado, providing diverse opportunities in cities like Aurora and Denver. They focus on delivering high-quality patient care and offer a supportive work environment.
-
OnePeak Medical
Average Salary: $300,000
OnePeak Medical is a well-respected company that offers rewarding Physician Assistant positions. They operate nationwide, focusing on placing healthcare professionals in positions that match their skills and career goals. The company emphasizes a collaborative work culture and professional development.
-
Market Street Staffing
Average Salary: $275,330
Market Street Staffing offers competitive Physician Assistant jobs with a focus on work-life balance. They serve various states, ensuring opportunities across different regions. The company values a supportive team environment and offers a range of benefits to their employees.
-
Royal Surgical Associates
Average Salary: $269,524
Royal Surgical Associates provides Physician Assistant positions with strong benefits and a focus on patient care. They operate in multiple locations across the United States, offering diverse experiences. The company fosters a professional atmosphere where teamwork is key.
-
SHS Recruitment Partners
Average Salary: $264,040
SHS Recruitment Partners is a company known for its high-paying Physician Assistant roles. They offer positions across various states, giving candidates flexibility in their career choices. The company supports professional growth and offers a positive work culture.
-
CoreMedical Group
Average Salary: $251,965
CoreMedical Group offers rewarding Physician Assistant jobs with competitive salaries. They operate across the country, providing opportunities in different regions. The company is committed to employee well-being and offers a variety of career advancement opportunities.
-
Staff Today
Average Salary: $237,733
Staff Today provides Physician Assistant positions with a focus on quality patient care. They serve multiple states, ensuring a wide range of opportunities. The company values teamwork and offers a supportive work environment.
-
Greenstaff Medical USA
Average Salary: $236,050
Greenstaff Medical USA offers Physician Assistant jobs with a competitive salary and benefits package. They operate across various states, offering diverse work environments. The company emphasizes a collaborative and supportive work culture.
-
Curative
Average Salary: $234,659
Curative provides Physician Assistant roles with a focus on innovative healthcare solutions. They operate nationwide, offering opportunities in different regions. The company supports professional development and offers a dynamic work environment.
-
Ascend Media
Average Salary: $231,484
Ascend Media offers Physician Assistant positions with a competitive salary. They operate across the United States, providing diverse opportunities. The company values teamwork and offers a supportive work environment.
How to earn more as a Physician Assistant?
Earning more as a Physician Assistant often involves strategic planning and continuous professional development. One key approach is to gain experience in a high-demand specialty. Areas such as emergency medicine, surgery, and critical care typically offer higher pay due to the complexity and urgency of the work. Aspiring Physician Assistants can consider these specialties to increase their earning potential.
Another factor involves obtaining additional certifications. Certifications in areas like pain management, cardiology, or sports medicine can enhance a Physician Assistant's skill set and make them more attractive to employers willing to pay a premium for specialized knowledge. Furthermore, pursuing a master's degree or a doctorate can also lead to higher salary opportunities. Employers often value advanced education and are willing to compensate those with higher degrees. Geographic location plays a significant role as well, with certain states offering higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for healthcare services. Finally, advancing to a leadership role, such as a clinical manager or director of physician services, can lead to substantial increases in income.
Here are some factors that can help increase earnings:
- Gain experience in high-demand specialties.
- Obtain additional certifications in specialized areas.
- Pursue advanced degrees such as a master's or doctorate.
- Consider relocating to areas with higher healthcare salaries.
- Advance to leadership roles within healthcare organizations.



