Physician Assistant Salary Trends in 2025: What You Need to Know

Why PA Salaries Are Gaining Attention

Physician Assistants (PAs) continue to rank among the most in-demand and well-compensated healthcare professionals. With strong job growth, rising salaries, and flexibility across specialties, the PA profession attracts thousands of applicants annually. But how much do PAs actually earn today? And how does compensation vary by experience, specialty, and region?

This updated guide draws on the most recent data from the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) to provide a comprehensive look at PA salary expectations—and what aspiring PAs can do to maximize their earning potential.

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Median PA Salary in 2024: AAPA and BLS Data

According to the AAPA’s 2024 Salary Report:

Median base salary for full-time PAs: $126,000
Average hourly wage: $60.58
Annual bonus (average): $6,500

The BLS (2024) similarly reports:

Median annual salary: $129,500
90th percentile earnings: Over $170,000
Job growth: 27% projected through 2032, nearly five times the national average

This growth is fueled by physician shortages, increasing healthcare demand, and the cost-efficiency of PAs compared to MDs.

PA Salary by Specialty: Where PAs Earn the Most

Like physicians, PAs can specialize—and compensation often reflects that choice. Here are the highest-paid PA specialties in 2024 based on AAPA and NCCPA data:

Dermatology: $138,000
Emergency Medicine: $130,500
Critical Care: $129,700
Surgical Subspecialties (Ortho, Cardio, Neuro): $126,000+
Cardiothoracic/Vascular Surgery: $133,200
Oncology: $127,800
Psychiatry: $123,000

Specialties in hospital settings or high-acuity care tend to offer the highest salaries, along with increased responsibilities and longer hours.

Entry-Level PA Salary: What New Graduates Can Expect

Graduates entering the field in 2024 can expect:

Starting salary range: $95,000–$110,000
Average for newly certified PAs: $102,000
Part-time hourly average: $56/hour (for 24-hour weeks)

While entry-level salaries are lower than the overall median, they increase significantly within the first few years, especially with specialty transitions or geographic mobility.

PA Salary by Location: Where You Practice Matters

Geography remains a major factor in PA compensation. According to the BLS:

California: $144,520
Washington: $139,340
New Jersey: $137,610
Texas: $132,200
Alaska: $130,980

Urban centers tend to offer higher salaries due to cost of living, but rural areas may offer incentives like signing bonuses or loan repayment.

PA vs. Other Healthcare Professionals: Salary Comparisons

PA vs. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Profession	Median Salary	Max Salary (90th percentile)
Physician Assistant	$129,500	$170,000+
Nurse Practitioner	$128,490	$165,000+

NPs and PAs earn similar salaries on average, but PAs have slightly higher salaries in some specialties like surgery and emergency medicine. However, NPs may have more autonomous practice rights in certain states.

PA vs. Physician (MD/DO)

Profession	Median Salary	Training Duration
Physician Assistant	$129,500	2.5 years
Primary Care Physician	$223,000	7–11 years
Specialist (e.g., surgeon, anesthesiologist)	$300,000–$500,000+	10+ years

While physicians earn significantly more, PAs benefit from shorter training, less debt, and better work-life balance. Most full-time PAs work 40 hours/week; MDs often exceed 60.

PA Salary by Gender: Closing the Wage Gap

The 2024 AAPA report shows continued progress in narrowing the gender pay gap:

Male PAs: $131,000 average
Female PAs: $125,500 average
Nonbinary/Other: $118,400 average

While disparities persist, most stem from differences in specialty choice, hours worked, and negotiation. Transparent salary benchmarks help new PAs advocate for equitable compensation.

Do PAs Get Benefits?

Yes. Most full-time PAs receive:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Professional development funds (87%)
CME support
Malpractice coverage
Retirement contributions

Bonuses and profit-sharing are also common, especially in high-volume practices or surgical subspecialties.

Clinical Experience Matters: Boosting Your Earnings Early

Whether you're a student or a career changer, gaining meaningful clinical experience is one of the best ways to strengthen your future salary prospects.

Go Elective’s pre-PA internships in Kenya and Tanzania provide:

Over 150 direct patient care hours
Opportunities to shadow in surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and more
Experience with global health systems and underserved populations

Learn more about Go Elective’s pre-PA programs abroad and how they can improve your PA school applications—and make you a stronger, more informed healthcare professional from day one.

Tips to Maximize Your PA Earnings Potential

Choose High-Demand Specialties

Fields like emergency medicine, dermatology, and critical care consistently top the salary charts.

Work in Underserved or High-Cost Areas

Rural and urban underserved areas often offer higher base salaries or signing bonuses.

Pursue Leadership Opportunities

PAs in formal leadership roles earn $10,000–$15,000 more annually.

Add Value Through Certification

Additional certifications (e.g., ACLS, ATLS) can make you more marketable and increase your bargaining power.

Advocate for Yourself

Use salary data to negotiate contracts confidently. The AAPA Salary Report is your strongest tool during job searches and reviews.

Final Thoughts: Is the PA Career Worth It?

With competitive pay, strong job growth, and flexibility, becoming a Physician Assistant is one of the most rewarding and financially stable healthcare careers today. Whether you're entering the field straight from undergrad or transitioning from another profession, building a strong foundation through clinical experience and strategic planning will ensure you reach your full earning potential.

Start your journey with Go Elective—where global clinical exposure and expert mentorship prepare you not just to get into PA school, but to thrive as a future PA.