Physician assistants (PAs) are an integral part of the healthcare system, providing many of the same services as physicians. While their specific scope of practice varies based on individual state regulations, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) states that physician assistants can generally diagnose illnesses, create and manage treatment plans, and prescribe medication. Given their diverse expertise and ability to provide life-saving care, physician assistant salaries reflect their valuable contributions to healthcare. However, it’s important to note that PA salary varies depending on their specialization. So, how much do physician assistants make anyway? Read on to learn more about the top 10 highest paid PA specialties.
What is the average PA salary in the US?
In the United States, the median annual physician assistant salary is $130,020, based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report. However, Medscape’s latest physician assistant compensation report, highlights there is opportunity for PAs to make up to $142,000 per year or more.
How Much Do Physician Assistants Make?: How Gender, Location, and More Impact Pay
While the BLS has a general figure for the median annual physician assistant salary, the compensation these crucial healthcare providers actually take home can vary depending on their location, gender, and more. Based on these factors, the BLS reports a physician assistant’s salary can exceed $170,790 for top 10% earners.
Below is a look at some of the factors that affect physician assistant salary, but remember: these are self-reported numbers by PAs of all employment types, whether that be as a full-time employee, independent contract, or self-employed.
Practice Setting
According to Medscape’s most recent physician assistant compensation report, PAs who said they worked in operating rooms/surgical centers said they made $158,000, the highest figure of any practice setting.
Emergency departments/urgent care centers came in at No. 2, with PAs reporting they made $152,000. This is followed by acute care hospitals/inpatient units, with PAs there reporting earnings of $146,000.
Geographic Location
Medscape’s most recent physician assistant compensation analysis uncovered that PAs who work in the U.S.’ Pacific region, including Alaska and Hawaii, reported they made a mean annual salary of $159,000—the highest PA salary of all regions. Here’s a list of the other areas, with mean physician assistant salary in descending order:
- Mountain – $147,000
- New England – $145,000
- Mid-Atlantic (Including Washington, D.C.) – $144,000
- West Central – $142,000
- South Atlantic – $136,000
- East Central – $132,000
Gender
The latest data available for the average physician assistant salary reported by men was $152,000. On the other hand, female PAs reported the figure to be $137,000, based on Medscape’s latest physician assistant compensation report.
Physician Assistant Salary Rundown By Specialty: What are the Highest-Paid PA Specialties?
Many physician assistants report that their authority is often questioned out of a misunderstanding about their responsibilities and scope of practice. However, it is important to emphasize that PAs are qualified to provide high quality care.
Based on industry reports and healthcare professionals, there are more than 100 specialties physician assistants can choose to work in. Each PA specialty offers their own unique educational track and requirements. The most common areas include emergency medicine, surgical subspecialties, and family medicine/general practice. These specialties are among the top ten highest paid specialties, behind cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery and dermatology.
It’s essential to mention that PAs are required to have the title of PA-C (Physician Assistant Certified). While a PA-C is not a physician, they are accredited as an active healthcare provider by the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Both PA-Cs and doctors have the authority to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medication, order medical tests and interpret results, create treatment plans, and perform medical procedures, although this might be limited depending on which state a PA-C works in.
1. Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery PA Salary
Physician assistant salary and overall compensation for the cardiovascular/cardiothoracic specialty varies based on location and competitive pay. The AAPA reported that the median compensation package for PAs in this specialty was $152,500, making it the highest paid PA specialty. This can be attributed to the complexity and sensitivity of the job. Responsibilities include pre-operative and post-operative care, performing a variety of tests, and assisting in surgical procedures.
2. Dermatology PA Salary
The median dermatology physician assistant salary is $145,000, based on the latest public AAPA report. Dermatology PA salary is ranked high because of the sensitivity of conditions they handle and the demand the healthcare system has for the specialty. This aligns with the core responsibilities of dermatology PAs as outlined by the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, which include evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of skin-related conditions.
Generally, certification is not required, but to become a certified dermatology PA, you must obtain a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in dermatology from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The NCCPA reports that dermatology PA salaries typically increase post certification, highlighting the investment. This means additional time in PA school brings a sizable return on investment.
3. Emergency Medicine PA Salary
Emergency medicine PAs earn a median of $133,990 in total compensation, according to the latest AAPA public report. This figure reflects the fact that PAs in emergency medicine specialty typically receive additional compensation on top of their salary.
According to the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs, these crucial providers deliver emergency care for patients in a variety of settings, such as emergency departments, critical care units, urgent care centers, observation units, and more. Their specialized training and expertise in critical care enable them to deliver life-saving interventions in emergencies, significantly enhancing patient outcomes.
4. Occupational Medicine PA Salary
Occupational medicine PAs earn a median of $133,120 in total compensation based on the AAPA’s latest public report. The Association of PAs in Occupational Medicine states that occupational medicine PAs provide treatment for occupational injuries and illnesses, conduct preventive examinations, administer DOT exams, facilitate health management activities, and more. Given their responsibility to assess healthcare staff, employers generally incentivize them with higher pay.
5. Critical Care PA Salary
Critical care PAs earn a median salary of $133,000, including additional benefits, according to the most recent public AAPA report. Tasked with providing intensive medical care to critically ill patients in various settings, including hospitals, intensive care units (ICUs), and trauma centers, critical care PAs are essential to the healthcare system. Given their responsibilities, critical care PAs play a vital role in advocating for patient needs and delivering high-quality healthcare services.
6. Psychiatry PA Salary
Psychiatry PAs earn a median salary of $130,000, including additional benefits, according to the most recent AAPA report. Average job duties include providing mental health services to patients and evaluating their mental health needs by reviewing medical and personal histories. Considering their job duties, psychiatry PAs help address the increased strain on mental health resources that has been ongoing since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
7. Surgical Subspecialties PA Salary
Surgical subspecialty PAs earn a total median compensation of $130,000, which accounts for their salary and additional benefits, according to the latest public AAPA report. Unique in their ability to provide care to patients in surgical environments, surgical subspecialty PAs work under the authority of an overseeing surgeon wherever they are employed. Their ranking on the highest paying PA specialties list highlights how they deliver care imperative to patients in a surgical environment.
8. Neurosurgery PA Salary
The AAPA stated in their latest public report that neurosurgery PA salary is a median of $129,000. Their ranking on the highest paying PA specialties list is attributed to their responsibilities highlighted by the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants (AASPA). The AASPA highlights that neurosurgery PAs participate in various aspects of pre-surgery, during surgery, and post-surgery care. Neurosurgery PAs record patient histories, collaborate on treatment plans and serve as the primary assistant during surgeries.
9. Urgent Care PA Salary
The median urgent care PA salary was last reported by the AAPA to be $128,980. Industry analysis shows that urgent care center services are expanding nationwide, which will boost demand and pay for urgent care PAs. Average responsibilities include reviewing patients’ medical histories, carrying out physical examinations, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests like X-rays and blood work to ascertain the cause of a patient’s ailment or injury.
10. Orthopedic Surgery PA Salary
Orthopedic PA salary was reported by the AAPA to be a median of $128,000. According to Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery, the average responsibilities include conducting patient history and examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications and therapies, and assisting in surgical procedures as needed. To practice, certified physician associates must continue PA school and obtain certification from the National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Physician’s Assistants (NBCOPA).
How Can I Pursue a PA Specialty?
The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, states that physician assistants who want to specialize in a specific area typically require additional training. To practice in a specialty, PAs usually need to complete a fellowship or residency in the specific concentration. It’s important to note that additional training requirements, certifications, roles, responsibilities, and even compensation may apply.
By pursuing additional training, PAs not only expand their professional horizons but also position themselves for career advancement and increased earning potential. They become valuable assets to healthcare organizations, contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery. Holding multiple specialties allows PAs applying for locum tenens positions to have greater opportunities.
Become a Locum Tenens PA
As a locum tenens physician assistant, you’ll work in different locations across the country in facilities that are experiencing staff shortages. You’ll take on temporary assignments to ensure that patients continue to receive the highest quality care. Contact our team today or browse our job board to see our current list of available openings and find out how much physician assistants can make working locum tenens.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally written in March 2024 by Mia Lombardo. It was updated in October 2024 by Nathan Taylor, March 2025 by Mike Connors, and then updated again by Nate Taylor in April 2025 to reflect updated information.
