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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physicians Assistant in California is $133,124 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, a Physicians Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Physicians Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $141,491 | $11,791 | $2,721 | $68 |
| Average | $133,124 | $11,094 | $2,560 | $64 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,323 | $10,194 | $2,352 | $59 |
AFTER HOURS MEDICAL GROUP - Whittier, CA
Golden State Dermatology - Lodi, CA
Golden State Dermatology - Saint Helena, CA
Madera Community Hospital - Madera, CA
A Physicians Assistant'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 Physicians Assistant'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 Physicians Assistant | $130,574 |
| Intermediate Level Physicians Assistant | $130,874 |
| Senior Level Physicians Assistant | $134,532 |
| Specialist Level Physicians Assistant | $138,208 |
| Expert Level Physicians Assistant | $138,471 |
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 Physicians Assistants. 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:
For Physicians Assistant 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, Physicians Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Physicians Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $159,749 | $77.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Physicians Assistant'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 | $141,491 | $11,791 | $2,721 | $68 |
| Average | $133,124 | $11,094 | $2,560 | $64 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,323 | $10,194 | $2,352 | $59 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physicians Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Connected Health Care
Bishop, CA
Connected Health Care | Bishop, CA
Travel Physician Assistant in Orthopedic Surgery. Travel Physician Assistant in Orthopedic Surgery for a 13-week contract in Bishop, California. Earn up to... more
8 Days Ago
Arash Zarimani MD Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
Arash Zarimani MD Inc. | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. We are looking for an experienced Physician Assistant (PA) who will work in collaboration with physicians and other healt... more
5 Days Ago
Kerlan Jobe Orthpeadic Clinic
Beverly Hills, CA
Kerlan Jobe Orthpeadic Clinic | Beverly Hills, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Our Orthopedic Sports Medicine clinical & surgical practice, is seeking a full time Physician Assistant to join our Team ... more
5 Days Ago
Essnova Solutions, Inc.
Berkeley, CA
Essnova Solutions, Inc. | Berkeley, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About Essnova Solutions, Inc. Essnova Solutions, Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, SBA 8(a) and HUBZone-certified small... more
6 Days Ago
Doctors weight
Laguna Hills, CA
Doctors weight | Laguna Hills, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Join our Weight and Wellness team where you will play a vital role in delivering comprehensive patient care in the weight... more
6 Days Ago
Essnova Solutions
Berkeley, CA
Essnova Solutions | Berkeley, CA
Essnova Solutions, Inc. Essnova Solutions, Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, SBA 8(a) and HUBZone-certified small business founded in 2005. Essnova deliv... more
6 Days Ago
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