Physician Assistant Salary Range: How Much Can You Earn

Physician assistants (PAs) are highly trained medical professionals who play a vital role in the healthcare system. As a PA, you can expect a rewarding career with a competitive salary range. But how much can you earn as a physician assistant? In this article, we'll delve into the details of physician assistant salary ranges, factors that influence them, and what you can expect in different industries and locations.

Physician Assistant Salary Range Overview

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physician assistants in the United States was $112,260 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry, experience, and specialty.

Factors That Influence Physician Assistant Salaries

Several factors contribute to the variation in physician assistant salaries. Here are some of the most significant ones:

Location: Salaries can differ significantly depending on the location. Cities with a high cost of living, such as San Francisco or New York, tend to offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased expenses.
Industry: Physician assistants working in hospitals, clinics, or private practices may earn different salaries than those working in academia, research, or government.
Experience: More experienced PAs tend to earn higher salaries than those just starting their careers.
Specialty: Physician assistants specializing in high-demand areas such as surgery, emergency medicine, or cardiology may earn higher salaries than those in primary care or other specialties.
Certification: Certified PAs may earn higher salaries than non-certified ones.

Physician Assistant Salary by Industry

Here are some average salary ranges for physician assistants in different industries:

Hospitals: $105,000 - $140,000 per year
Clinics: $100,000 - $130,000 per year
Private practices: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
Academia: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
Research: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
Government: $80,000 - $110,000 per year

Physician Assistant Salary by Specialty

Here are some average salary ranges for physician assistants in different specialties:

Surgery: $120,000 - $160,000 per year
Emergency medicine: $110,000 - $150,000 per year
Cardiology: $100,000 - $140,000 per year
Primary care: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
Pediatrics: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
Obstetrics and gynecology: $80,000 - $110,000 per year

Physician Assistant Salary by Location

Here are some average salary ranges for physician assistants in different cities:

New York City: $120,000 - $160,000 per year
San Francisco: $110,000 - $150,000 per year
Los Angeles: $100,000 - $140,000 per year
Chicago: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
Houston: $80,000 - $110,000 per year

Conclusion

As a physician assistant, your salary range can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry, experience, and specialty. While the median annual salary is around $112,260, experienced PAs in high-demand specialties and locations can earn significantly more. Keep in mind that salaries can also vary within each industry and location, so it's essential to research and understand the specific market you're entering.