As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physician Assistant (PA) in the United States is $124,260 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.
However, a Physician Assistant (PA)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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 Physician Assistant (PA) | $121,177 |
| Intermediate Level Physician Assistant (PA) | $121,457 |
| Senior Level Physician Assistant (PA) | $124,870 |
| Specialist Level Physician Assistant (PA) | $128,284 |
| Expert Level Physician Assistant (PA) | $128,528 |
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 Physician Assistant (PA)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 6.34% |
| Basic Life Support | 2.74% |
| Front Office | 2.32% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$136,686 |
10%
|
|
EHR
|
$134,201 |
8%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$129,230 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$127,988 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$127,988 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$126,745 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physician Assistant (PA)s enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Physician Assistant (PA) with a Bachelor's Degree is between $116,583 and $122,283).
Physician Assistant (PA) Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.0% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 2.2% |
| Bachelors | 22.8% |
| Masters | 70.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.9% |
Understanding how a 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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Physician Assistant (PA) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $231,993 in 2023 to around $226,789 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physician Assistant (PA) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The best-paying states for Physician Assistants include Nevada, California, Washington, Connecticut, and Alaska. While the average salary for PAs ranges from a minimum of $112,110 to a maximum of $134,280, these states offer significantly higher compensation, reflecting the demand and cost of living in those areas.
A salary of 150K is above the maximum salary for Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania, which is 134,280. Given that the average mid-salary is 121,790, 150K is considered an excellent salary for a PA in the state.
The typical Physician Assistant (PA) works full-time, averaging 40 hours per week, though additional hours may be necessary. Shifts can vary, and PAs may be required to work nights, weekends, or holidays. They are also often on call. With a salary range from $112,110 to $134,280, this role offers competitive compensation for the demanding schedule.
The East is home to some of the best states for Physician Assistants, including Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont. These states offer a supportive practice environment and all six key elements of modern PA practice. With salaries ranging from $112,110 to $134,280, PAs can enjoy both professional autonomy and competitive compensation.
While some Physician Assistants can earn high salaries, the typical salary range is between $112,110 and $134,280 per year, with a median salary of $121,790. Earning $400,000 annually is uncommon and would likely require specialized skills or positions in high-demand areas. PAs play vital roles in healthcare, from patient assessments to assisting in surgeries.
Physician Assistants in the USA earn a minimum salary of $112,110, a median salary of $121,790, and a maximum salary of $134,280. The salary range reflects the varying levels of experience and specialization within the profession.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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