How Much Do Physician Assistants Make?
$126,010median annual salary
$60.58/hour · $10,501/month · BLS Code: 29-1071
Physician assistants examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, prescribe medications, and order tests — working under physician supervision (though scope varies by state). PAs enjoy one of the best combinations of high salary, reasonable education length, job growth, and work-life balance in healthcare.
Physician Assistant Salary at a Glance
Entry Level
$85,000
Starting salary
Median
$126,010
50th percentile
Senior Level
$160,000
Experienced professionals
Top 10%
$170,090
90th percentile
Salary Range
Salary by Experience Level
Top Paying States for Physician Assistants
#1
California
$153,580
#2
Connecticut
$148,790
#3
Washington
$146,220
#4
Alaska
$144,610
#5
New Jersey
$142,870
Top Paying Cities for Physician Assistants
Education & Requirements
Education
Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited PA program (typically 27 months after bachelor's)
Typical Degree
Master's in PA Studies
Certifications
Job Outlook
+27%
Projected Growth (2022-2032)
148_000
Total Employed
BLS Outlook Category
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Physician Assistant Salary FAQ
How much do physician assistants make?
The median salary is about $126,010. PAs in surgery and emergency medicine often earn the most ($140,000-$180,000). The field offers one of the best salary-to-education-length ratios in healthcare.
How long does it take to become a PA?
About 6-7 years: 4 years undergraduate (with prerequisite courses) plus 2-3 years of PA school. Most PA programs require 1,000-3,000 hours of healthcare experience for admission.
PA vs NP: which is better?
Both are advanced practice providers with similar roles. PAs train in a medical model (like doctors) and can switch specialties easily. NPs follow a nursing model and often specialize from the start. Salaries are comparable.
Is PA a good career?
Exceptional. 27% growth, $126,000 median salary, flexibility to change specialties, and only 6-7 years of education (vs. 11+ for physicians) make it one of the most attractive healthcare careers.
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Read moreSalary data is based on BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, industry surveys, and widely-reported compensation benchmarks. Figures are approximate and vary by location, employer, experience, and market conditions. This is educational content — not career or financial advice.