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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physician Associate in California is $135,702 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
However, a Physician Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Physician Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $144,708 | $12,059 | $2,783 | $70 |
| Average | $135,702 | $11,309 | $2,610 | $65 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,808 | $10,484 | $2,419 | $60 |
UC Irvine - Orange, CA
California Pulmonary Associates Inc - Glendora, CA
La Clinica - Vallejo, CA
South Central Family Health Center - Los Angeles, CA
A Physician Associate'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 Physician Associate'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 Associate | $131,711 |
| Intermediate Level Physician Associate | $132,013 |
| Senior Level Physician Associate | $135,702 |
| Specialist Level Physician Associate | $139,411 |
| Expert Level Physician Associate | $139,676 |
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 Associates. 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 Physician Associate 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 Associate positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Physician Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $162,843 | $78.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Physician Associate'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 | $144,708 | $12,059 | $2,783 | $70 |
| Average | $135,702 | $11,309 | $2,610 | $65 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,808 | $10,484 | $2,419 | $60 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physician Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
South Central Family Health Cent
Los Angeles, CA
South Central Family Health Cent | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Title. Associate Medical Director/Physician. Base Salary Range. $213,870 -$219,220 plus benefits. FTE. Full ... more
7 Days Ago
UC Irvine
Los Alamitos, CA
UC Irvine | Los Alamitos, CA
Job Posting: Gastroenterologist. Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nat... more
7 Days Ago
UC Irvine
Newport Coast, CA
UC Irvine | Newport Coast, CA
Occupational Medicine Physician. Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nat... more
6 Days Ago
UC Irvine
Los Alamitos, CA
UC Irvine | Los Alamitos, CA
Nocturnist Physician. The Nocturnist Physician provides Hospital Medicine services for the UCI Health - Los Alamitos Hospital inpatient medicine wards excl... more
6 Days Ago
Amedisys Inc
Fresno, CA
Amedisys Inc | Fresno, CA
AseraCare Dba Amedisys Hospice Physician Associate Medical Director Hospice Prn/1099. This is not a remote position. Responsibilities. Assist with IDG meet... more
5 Days Ago
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
South San Francisco, CA
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | South San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. POSITION SUMMARY. The Drug Safety Physician in Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance department will serve as a subject matter ... more
6 Days Ago
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