Top Paying PA Specialties in 2025 Highest Salaries by Field

The Growing Demand—and Pay—of Physician Assistants

Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly trained medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and assist in surgery. Their roles closely mirror those of physicians, especially in collaborative or underserved healthcare environments.

Unlike doctors, PAs complete their education in about 2–3 years at the graduate level, earning a master’s degree from an accredited PA program. This shorter training path—paired with strong earning potential and job stability—continues to make the PA profession one of the top-rated healthcare careers according to U.S. News & World Report.

> Explore Go-Electives Pre-PA and PA Internship Program Abroad

What Is the Average Salary for Physician Assistants?

As of the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for PAs is approximately $130,000 per year. Entry-level salaries generally start around $100,000, while experienced PAs in specialized fields can earn $140,000 or more.

Demand for PAs is projected to grow over 28% from 2023 to 2033, significantly faster than the average for all professions. This growth is driven by a nationwide shortage of physicians, the increasing reliance on team-based care, and the cost-effectiveness of the PA model.

Which PA Specialties Pay the Most Today?

Like physicians, PAs have the option to specialize—and your chosen specialty can significantly affect your earning potential. Below are some of the highest-paying PA specialties in 2025 based on recent industry salary data.

1. Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

PAs in this high-stakes field support complex heart and lung surgeries, manage pre- and post-op care, and often work in critical care units. Most are based in hospitals, and they earn a median salary of around $152,000. This specialty tops many salary rankings due to the advanced procedural work and intensity of care involved.

2. Dermatology

Dermatology PAs diagnose skin conditions, perform minor surgical procedures, and assist with cosmetic treatments. The median compensation is approximately $145,000, often boosted by productivity bonuses in private practice settings.

3. Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medicine PAs thrive in fast-paced environments, providing care for trauma, acute illnesses, and life-threatening conditions. Many work in ERs or urgent care centers and earn a median salary of $134,000, with night shifts and high-volume incentives contributing to higher total compensation.

4. Pathology

In pathology, PAs analyze tissue samples, assist with biopsies, and support laboratory diagnostics. Their precise, behind-the-scenes work earns them about $122,000 annually, with roles concentrated in hospital-based labs and research centers.

5. Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery PAs assist during brain and spinal procedures, manage surgical patients, and often work in both operating rooms and ICUs. Median salaries are around $129,000, but experienced PAs in this field may earn considerably more.

6. Pain Medicine

PAs specializing in pain management treat patients with chronic and acute pain conditions. They interpret imaging, administer injections, and oversee long-term treatment plans. Median salary: $120,000+, with private clinics often offering incentive-based compensation.

7. Psychiatry

Psychiatric PAs evaluate and treat patients with mental health disorders, working in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Their average salary is near $130,000, and demand is growing rapidly due to increased awareness of mental health needs.

8. Surgical Subspecialties

This broad category includes orthopedic surgery, urology, gynecology, pediatric surgery, and more. Surgical subspecialty PAs assist in ORs, provide post-op care, and manage inpatient consults. Median salaries hover between $125,000 and $130,000, depending on the specific field.

How to Choose a High-Paying PA Specialty

While salary is important, it’s equally essential to consider lifestyle, work environment, and your own interests. For instance:

• Emergency medicine and surgery offer high pay but may require long or irregular hours.
• Dermatology or psychiatry may offer more traditional schedules and still pay well.
• Academic or nonprofit roles may pay less but provide more flexible hours or benefits.

For aspiring PAs, exploring multiple specialties firsthand can help guide your path. That’s where international experiences come in.

Go Elective’s pre-PA internships in East Africa offer the chance to shadow physicians across different departments, from internal medicine to pediatrics and surgery. You'll gain direct clinical exposure in resource-diverse hospitals while developing a global perspective—an asset for any PA applicant or practicing clinician.

Preparing for PA School and Specialty Success

Becoming a high-earning PA starts with building a competitive application. PA programs look for candidates with clinical experience, shadowing hours, academic strength, and a demonstrated passion for patient care.

At Go Elective, we help you:

• Shadow real physicians across major specialties
• Earn patient care hours in hospital settings
• Experience global health firsthand, giving you a unique edge
• Prepare your PA school application with clarity and direction

If you’re serious about becoming a PA—and especially if you’re exploring top-paying specialties—there’s no better way to start than by stepping into real-world clinical care abroad.

> Apply today or contact us via hello@goelective.com 

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 16, 2025