How Much Does a Physician Assistant make?

Physician Assistant made a median salary around $119,142 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $131,445 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $109,679. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $109,679 10% $101,063 90% $142,645 75% $131,445 $119,142 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Physician Assistant

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Physician Assistant profession are Eliot , Kittery , Kittery Point , York , York Beach .
Eliot, ME $127,346
Kittery, ME $127,346
Kittery Point, ME $127,346
York, ME $127,346
York Beach, ME $127,346

Best-Paying States for Physician Assistant

The states and districts that pay Physician Assistant the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $136,285) , California (around $135,061) , New Jersey (around $134,203) , Alaska (around $133,346) , and Massachusetts (around $133,224) .
District of Columbia $136,285
California $135,061
New Jersey $134,203
Alaska $133,346
Massachusetts $133,224

Frequently Asked Questions for Physician Assistant

Q: What is the salary range of Physician Assistant in Maine?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Physician Assistant in Maine earned an average annual salary of $109,679 , while the highest-paid made $131,445.
Q: What is the salary for a Physician Assistant in California?
A: Physician Assistant employed in California earned an average salary of $135,061 in 2024.

Average Physician Assistant Pay vs. Other Jobs

Physician Assistant earned an average salary of $119,142 in 2024. Other jobs related to Physician Assistant earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Physician Assistant - Medical made $118,238 , Physician Assistant - Specialty made $128,912 , Physician Assistant - Orthopedics and Physician Assistant - Primary Care made $130,411 and $125,394 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant - Medical - Average Salary $118,238
Physician Assistant - Medical assesses, plans, and provides patient care under the supervision of a physician. Examines patient, performs comprehensive physical examinations, and compiles patient medical data, including health history and results of physical examination. Being a Physician Assistant - Medical orders and interprets appropriate laboratory and radiographic tests. Participates in daily patient rounds, writes progress notes, conducts patient education, writes prescriptions, and prepares discharge summaries. Additionally, Physician Assistant - Medical requires completion of the PANCE exam administered by National Commission of the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Requires a master's degree of Health Sciences for Physician Assistants or related. Typically reports to a physician. Requires Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C). Requires State license to practice. Physician Assistant - Medical's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Physician Assistant - Specialty - Average Salary $128,912
Physician Assistant - Specialty assesses, plans, and provides patient care in a medical specialty, such as cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, etc. under the supervision of a physician. Examines patient, performs comprehensive physical examinations, and compiles patient medical data, including health history and results of physical examination. Being a Physician Assistant - Specialty orders and interprets appropriate laboratory and radiographic tests. Participates in daily patient rounds, writes progress notes, conducts patient education, writes prescriptions, and prepares discharge summaries. Additionally, Physician Assistant - Specialty requires completion of the PANCE exam administered by National Commission of the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Requires a master's degree in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants or related. Requires Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C). Requires State license to practice. Typically reports to a physician. Physician Assistant - Specialty's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Physician Assistant - Orthopedics - Average Salary $130,411
Physician Assistant - Orthopedics assesses, plans, and provides patient care under the supervision of a physician. Examines patient, performs comprehensive physical examinations, and compiles patient medical data, including health history and results of physical examination. Being a Physician Assistant - Orthopedics orders and interprets appropriate laboratory and radiographic tests. Participates in daily patient rounds, writes progress notes, conducts patient education, counsels on preventative care, assists in surgery, writes prescriptions, and prepares discharge summaries. Additionally, Physician Assistant - Orthopedics requires a master's degree in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants or related. Requires completion of the PANCE exam administered by National Commission of the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Requires Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C). Typically reports to a Physician. Physician Assistant - Orthopedics's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Physician Assistant - Primary Care - Average Salary $125,394
Physician Assistant - Primary Care assesses, plans, and provides patient care under the supervision of a physician. Examines patient, performs comprehensive physical examinations, and compiles patient medical data, including health history and results of physical examination. Being a Physician Assistant - Primary Care orders and interprets appropriate laboratory and radiographic tests. Administers therapeutic procedures as directed. Additionally, Physician Assistant - Primary Care scope of practice is limited to family medicine and primary care. Requires a master's degree in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants or related. Requires completion of the PANCE exam administered by National Commission of the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Requires Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C). Typically reports to a Physician. Physician Assistant - Primary Care's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Physician Assistant - Surgical - Average Salary $128,574
Physician Assistant - Surgical under the direction of physician, performs first assistant surgical duties, including tissue retraction and suturing. Completes pre-op tasks including physical examinations and recording health history. Being a Physician Assistant - Surgical orders appropriate laboratory and radiographic tests. Participates in daily patient rounds, writes progress notes, conducts patient education, writes prescriptions, and prepares discharge summaries Requires completion of the PANCE exam administered by National Commission of the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Additionally, Physician Assistant - Surgical requires a master's degree of Health Sciences for Physician Assistants or related. Typically reports to a physician. Requires Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C). Requires State license to practice. Physician Assistant - Surgical's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.