As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physician Assistant in the United States is $124,763 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.
However, a Physician Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Physician 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Physician 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 Physician Assistant | $121,094 |
| Intermediate Level Physician Assistant | $121,372 |
| Senior Level Physician Assistant | $124,763 |
| Specialist Level Physician Assistant | $128,172 |
| Expert Level Physician Assistant | $128,415 |
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 Assistants. 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
|
$137,239 |
10%
|
|
EHR
|
$134,744 |
8%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$129,754 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$128,506 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$128,506 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$127,258 |
2%
|
For Physician 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, Physician Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Physician Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $149,716 | $72.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physician Assistants 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 with a Bachelor's Degree is between $117,101 and $122,828).
Physician Assistant 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'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Physician Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $231,784 in 2023 to around $226,585 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physician Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $231,784 |
| 2024 | $237,290 |
| 2025 | $226,585 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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