What is the starting salary for a physician assistant?

Entry-level physician assistants typically earn between $80,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on the specialty and location. PAs in surgical specialties and metropolitan areas tend to start at higher salaries than those in primary care or rural settings.

Which PA specialty pays the most?

Surgical subspecialties like cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery typically pay PAs the most, with salaries often exceeding $150,000. Emergency medicine and dermatology PAs also tend to earn above-average salaries.

How long does it take to become a physician assistant?

It typically takes six to seven years of education after high school: four years for a bachelor's degree and about three years (27 months) for a PA master's program. Many applicants also spend one to three years gaining healthcare experience before entering PA school.

Is PA school harder to get into than medical school?

PA school is very competitive, with acceptance rates around 20-30% at most programs. While medical school acceptance rates are similar, PA school requires significant healthcare experience that medical school does not, making the application process different rather than simply easier or harder.

Can PAs prescribe medication?

Yes, physician assistants can prescribe medications in all 50 states, including controlled substances. The specific prescribing authority varies by state, with some requiring a supervisory agreement with a physician and others granting more independent prescribing privileges.

Do physician assistants earn more than nurse practitioners?

PA and NP salaries are very comparable nationally. PAs have a slightly higher median salary, but the difference is small. Compensation varies more by specialty, location, and experience than by the PA vs. NP credential.

Physician Assistant Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

HealthcareMuch faster than average

Physician assistants practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They examine patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. PAs work in virtually every medical specialty and are trained in the medical model, making them versatile healthcare providers.

Median Salary

$130,020

Salary Range

$78,940 – $178,400

Hourly Equivalent

$62.51/hr

Growth Rate

28%

Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$93,614

$45.01/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$130,020

$62.51/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$162,525

$78.14/hr

Expert (13+ years)$188,529

$90.64/hr

Physician Assistant Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$158,624	$76.26/hr
#2	New York	$154,724	$74.39/hr
#3	Washington	$150,823	$72.51/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$149,523	$71.89/hr
#5	New Jersey	$146,923	$70.64/hr
#6	Connecticut	$144,322	$69.39/hr
#7	Maryland	$141,722	$68.14/hr
#8	Alaska	$140,422	$67.51/hr
#9	Hawaii	$139,121	$66.89/hr
#10	Oregon	$136,521	$65.64/hr

Physician Assistant Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$179,428	$86.26/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$171,626	$82.51/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$169,026	$81.26/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$162,525	$78.14/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$158,624	$76.26/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$156,024	$75.01/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$153,424	$73.76/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$145,622	$70.01/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$143,022	$68.76/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$140,422	$67.51/hr

How to Become a Physician Assistant

To become a physician assistant, you need a master's degree from a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Most PA programs require a bachelor's degree with prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, along with significant healthcare experience.

PA programs typically last 27 months (about three years) and include both didactic (classroom) and clinical phases. The didactic phase covers medical sciences such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical medicine. The clinical phase consists of supervised rotations in various specialties including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry.

Healthcare experience is a critical component of PA school admission. Most successful applicants have 2,000 to 4,000 hours of direct patient care experience as EMTs, paramedics, medical assistants, nurses, or other healthcare roles. Strong GPA scores and GRE performance are also important for competitive programs.

After graduating, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become a certified PA (PA-C). Recertification requires passing the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every 10 years and completing 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years. PAs can switch specialties throughout their career without additional formal training.

Job Outlook for Physician Assistants

28% growth — Much faster than average

The physician assistant profession is projected to grow 28% from 2022 to 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. This growth is driven by an increased demand for healthcare services as the population ages, a nationwide physician shortage, and the cost-effectiveness of PA-delivered care.

PAs are increasingly being utilized in both primary care and specialty settings. The versatility of PA training allows them to work across multiple specialties throughout their career, making them highly adaptable to changing healthcare needs. Surgical specialties, emergency medicine, and dermatology are among the highest-demand areas for PAs.

The PA profession also benefits from strong advocacy at the state and federal level, with many states expanding PA scope of practice. The combination of excellent salary, strong job security, work-life balance, and career flexibility makes the PA profession one of the most attractive in healthcare.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

Master's Degree from an ARC-PA Accredited Program

Key Certifications

PANCE Certification
BLS
ACLS