How Much Do Physician Assistants Make?

How Much Does a Physician Assistant Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2021 the average annual salary for Physician Assistants (PA) is $121,530 or $58.43 per hour. 

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,940, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $164,620. 

Physician Assistant Salary by State

Via ZipRecruiter 

Physician Assistant Salary by Years of Experience

As of 2023, physician assistants earn the following salaries by years of experience, according to Payscale.

• Less than 1 years of experience earn an average annual salary of $94,476
• 1-4 years of experience earn an average annual salary of $100,110
• 5-9 years of experience earns an average annual salary of $110,864
• 10-19 years of experience earns an average annual salary of $116,390
• 20+ years of experience earns an average annual salary of $120,981

Physician Assistant Salary by Work Setting

According to the BLS, as of May 2021, the median annual wages for Physician Assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

• Outpatient care centers: $128,430
• Hospitals; state, local, and private: $127,240
• Offices of physicians: $121,010
• Government: $106,910
• Educational services; state, local, and private: $101,040

How to Make More Money as a Physician Assistant 

Negotiation

PA positions are typically salary-based, which is an indicator that negotiation can be essential in earning a higher salary. 

Overtime

Physician Assistants who work overtime are entitled to increased pay for their additional work hours. Generally, this is considered time and a half pay.  In most cases, this means working over 40 hours a week. 

The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that all "non-exempt" employees receive overtime pay equal to one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour over 40 hours worked during a work week. 

Per diem or Contract Employment

Per diem and contract employees earn a higher wage than staff members. They are paid a premium for working less desirable shifts and having shifts canceled at any given time. Per diem employees are not offered guaranteed hours so remember that a paycheck most likely will not be consistent. 

Hazard Pay

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, hazard pay means “additional pay for performing a hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship.” It may also include work duty that causes “extreme physical discomfort and distress.” 

Is Becoming a Physician Assistant Worth it?

Becoming a PA is a very in-demand career. According to the BLS, there is a projected growth of 28% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

About 12,700 openings for physician assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. According to U.S. News & World Report, PAs rank #2 in Best Health Care Jobs, #4 in 100 Best Jobs, and #4 in Best STEM Jobs.

Salaries of Related Nursing Careers vs. Physician Assistant

Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses (RNs) average annual salary is $77,600 as of May 2021, according to the  BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $120,250.

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) average annual salary is $120,680 as of May 2021, according to the  BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $79,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $200,540. 

Nurse Midwives

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) average annual salary is $112,830 as of May 2021, according to the BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $79,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $200,540. 

Physician Assistant FAQs 

• What is the highest-paid PA salary?

  • According to the BLS, PAs who work in outpatient care centers can earn the highest average annual salary of $128,430 per year. 

• Can a PA make 6 figures?

  • It is very common for PAs to earn 6 figures, but it depends on the state and work setting. Historically, jobs in education will pay less than in hospitals. Additionally, the North East and West coasts pay more than the Southern states. ZipRecruiter also reports the average annual salary for PAs is $111,371 or $54 an hour. 

• Is a PA just as good as a doctor?

  • While PAs do independently treat patients, they are not at the same educational level as Medical Doctors (MD). The training is different and as a result, the salary is reflective of this. 

• Is being a PA a stressful job?

  • Being a PA can be a very stressful job, depending on the work environment. Some PAs work in trauma, the ER, and even surgery, where they constantly have patients’ lives in their hands. Like most other healthcare professionals, being a PA is stressful but also rewarding.