How Much Does a PA Make and How It Varies by State and Specialty

The salary of a personal assistant (PA) can vary significantly depending on the state and specialty. According to recent data, the median annual salary for a PA in the United States is around $62,000.

From state to state, salaries can differ substantially. For example, PAs in California earn a median annual salary of $73,000, while those in Mississippi earn around $46,000.

In terms of specialty, PAs working in healthcare tend to earn more than those in other fields. Medical PAs, for instance, can earn a median annual salary of up to $104,000.

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The median annual salary for Physician Assistants in 2023 was $126,010.

The top 10% of PAs earn more than $164,000 annually, while entry-level positions typically start around $100,000.

The average PA salary in the United States stood at $127,347 in 2024.

Employment for physician assistants is projected to grow by 31% between 2020 and 2030.

The average PA salary can vary widely across different specializations, regions, employer types, and experience levels.

Your educational background, including certifications or a doctoral degree, can contribute to higher compensation.

Physician Assistants can earn $54 an hour or $108,000 a year.

Experience plays a significant role in determining a PA's earning potential, with PAs with over a decade of experience typically taking home higher salaries than less experienced professionals.

PAs with 15 to 19 years of experience can earn up to $30,000 more annually than new graduates. This highlights the importance of gaining experience in the field to increase earning potential.

A PA's salary can also be influenced by their location, with higher-cost areas offering competitive wages to compensate for increased living expenses. For example, a Physician Assistant in California makes about $144,520 annually, while a PA in Oklahoma earns around $99,173.

Specialized roles and certifications can also impact a PA's salary, with PAs in high-demand areas earning higher compensation to attract and retain qualified professionals. Additionally, PAs with a DMSc degree report a 10-20% increase in salary, and earning a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) can also boost earning potential.

Here's a breakdown of how experience levels can impact a PA's salary:

PAs with over a decade of experience typically take home higher salaries than less experienced professionals. Research market standards is key to understanding the average market rate for your specific PA role based on location and experience.

To negotiate better salaries, you need to highlight your achievements and value. Present tangible examples of your accomplishments, whether improving patient outcomes or enhancing operational efficiency.

PAs with a DMSc degree report a 10-20% increase in salary. Pursuing a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) demonstrates your passion for healthcare and allows you to maximize your compensation.

You can earn up to $30,000 more annually than new graduates when you amass 15 to 20 years of experience. This highlights the importance of experience in determining a PA's earning potential.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when negotiating your salary:

As a PA, you have the opportunity to earn higher salaries as you gain experience. With 8+ years of experience, you can earn $135,000 to $150,000 or more.

Overtime and travel can significantly impact a Physician Assistant's (PA) earnings. Overtime wages vary by state and institution, but PAs tend to make one and a half times their regular pay for any work exceeding 40 hours.

Working overtime can be a great way to earn extra income, but it's essential to consider the benefits and drawbacks. A traveling PA's salary is usually higher than a general PA's, offering competitive compensation and paid travel.

Here are some benefits of overtime and travel for PAs:

In the United States, physician assistant salaries vary significantly by state and specialty. The top 10 states with the highest-paying physician assistant salary include Washington, California, and Alaska, with annual salaries ranging from $143,280 to $145,390.

According to Example 3, specialization significantly impacts PA salaries. For instance, PAs who specialize in emergency medicine can earn between $140,000 and $150,000 annually. In contrast, those in primary care or family medicine typically earn between $115,000 and $125,000.

Here are the top 10 states with the highest-paying physician assistant salary:

Some specialties, like cardiology, can lead to higher compensation, with PAs earning up to $141,549 annually.

With a salary, you can't just assume you'll have the same buying power in every state. Moving to a new place can be a big financial decision, and it's essential to consider the cost of living.

Our free cost of living calculator helps you determine the buying power of your pay by comparing it to the cost of living in your new location. It's a great tool to have when planning a move.

You can use your customized salary data to see how far your money will go in different states. This is especially useful if you're considering a move for a new job or career opportunity.

The calculator will give you a clear picture of the cost of living in your new location, so you can make informed decisions about your finances.

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Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery is the highest paid PA specialty, with an annual median wage of $147,200. PAs with this salary average 7 years of clinical experience and work about 50 hours weekly.

Specializing in high-demand areas or engaging in complex procedures can lead to increased earnings. For instance, PAs who specialize in cardiology can earn up to $141,549 annually.

The top-paying PA specialties, based on a 2022 survey by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), are:

Emergency medicine and surgery are at the top in terms of compensation, but they could also be the most stressful.

If you're a physician assistant looking to maximize your salary, location is a crucial factor to consider. California employs the most physician assistants, with a mean hourly wage of $65.83 or $136,920 annually in 2021.

The top 10 states with the highest-paying physician assistant salary are led by Washington, with an annual salary of $145,390. California ranks second with a salary of $144,520, followed closely by Alaska at $144,460.

Researching market standards is key to negotiating better salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top five highest paying states for physician assistants are Washington, California, Alaska, Connecticut, and Nevada.

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Areas with a higher cost of living or a shortage of professionals typically pay more. For example, a Physician Assistant in California makes about $144,520 annually due to the high cost of living.

Here's a breakdown of the top 10 states with the highest-paying physician assistant salary:

Keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on the specific PA role and location. It's essential to research market standards and understand the average market rate for your specific PA role based on location and experience.

As you consider a career as a Physician Assistant, it's essential to understand what influences your salary. Experience is a key factor, with more years of practice resulting in higher wages, reflecting your growing skills and expertise.

Your specialization can also impact your earning potential, with specialized roles often commanding higher salaries due to the demand in those areas. For example, a Physician Assistant in California makes about $144,520 annually due to the high cost of living.

Location plays a significant role in determining your salary, with metropolitan areas or regions with a greater cost of living tending to offer higher wages to accommodate living expenses. If you choose to work in hospitals or academic medical centers, you'll receive different compensation compared to PAs employed in private practices.

Education and certifications can also highlight your knowledge and commitment to the PA profession, potentially leading to higher salaries. Continuous education, like doctoral degrees and specialized certifications, demonstrates your dedication to your craft.

Here's a breakdown of the factors that can influence your salary as a Physician Assistant:

Your negotiation skills can also make a significant difference in securing a favorable compensation package. Be bold and present a case to secure more favorable compensation, highlighting your achievements and value to the organization.

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To get a better idea of what to expect in terms of salary, it's essential to research market standards. This involves understanding the average market rate for your specific PA role based on location and experience.

If you're looking to negotiate a better salary, it's crucial to highlight your achievements and value. This can be done by presenting tangible examples of your accomplishments, whether improving patient outcomes or enhancing operational efficiency.

Researching market standards can be done through various online resources. Typically, this happens during your interview process after you get the job, when you can choose the right time and place to negotiate your salary.

Here are some key statistics to keep in mind:

Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and your actual salary may vary depending on your specific role and experience.