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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Physician Assistant (PA) in California is $137,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Certified Physician Assistant (PA)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified Physician Assistant (PA) Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $146,100 | $12,175 | $2,810 | $70 |
| Average | $137,100 | $11,425 | $2,637 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,800 | $10,567 | $2,438 | $61 |
Comprehensive Medicine - La Mesa, CA
Regional Hand Center - Fresno, CA
URGENT CARE NEWARK - Newark, CA
Matrix Providers - Redding, CA
A Certified Physician Assistant (PA)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Physician Assistant (PA)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $133,735 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $134,041 |
| Senior Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $137,778 |
| Specialist Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $141,558 |
| Expert Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $141,828 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Certified Physician Assistant (PA)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Certified Physician Assistant (PA) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $145,425. While startup companies pay approximate $123,923.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $123,923 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $130,817 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $140,670 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $145,425 |
For Certified Physician Assistant (PA) roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Certified Physician Assistant (PA) positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Physician Assistant (PA) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $164,520 | $79.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Certified Physician Assistant (PA)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $146,100 | $12,175 | $2,810 | $70 |
| Average | $137,100 | $11,425 | $2,637 | $66 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,800 | $10,567 | $2,438 | $61 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Physician Assistant (PA) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Matrix Providers
Santa Maria, CA
Matrix Providers | Santa Maria, CA
Nurse Practitioner NP / Physician Assistant PA. Experience the Matrix Providers Advantage. We strive to provide a framework of stability and structure for ... more
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Matrix Providers
Crescent City, CA
Matrix Providers | Crescent City, CA
Nurse Practitioner (NP). Matrix Providers is hiring a Nurse Practitioner (NP) to join our team of talented professionals who provide health care services t... more
4 Days Ago
Matrix Providers
Monterey, CA
Matrix Providers | Monterey, CA
Nurse Practitioner NP / Physician Assistant PA. Matrix Providers is hiring a Nurse Practitioner NP / Physician Assistant PA to join our team of talented pr... more
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Clinical Management Consultants
Mecca, CA
Clinical Management Consultants | Mecca, CA
Radiation Therapy Oncology Physician Assistant PA. Elevate a career in advanced cancer care with an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing oncology... more
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Provider Healthcare
San Mateo, CA
Provider Healthcare | San Mateo, CA
Hiring a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant for a job in San Mateo, California. This position if Part Time for 3 days a week in San Mate... more
2 Days Ago
CHRISTUS Health
Beaumont, CA
CHRISTUS Health | Beaumont, CA
Description Enjoy a balanced professional and personal lifestyle that includes:Paid Time Off Malpractice Insurance Excellent work/life balance Competitive ... more
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