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 (PAs) can generally diagnose illnesses, create and manage treatment plans, and prescribe medication. With the flexibility to practice in any medical setting or specialty, physician assistants play a critical role in the delivery of high quality patient care. PA salary varies depending on their specialization—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 average annual PA salary is $130,020, as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Based on Medscape’s 2023 physician assistant compensation report, there is opportunity for PAs to make up to $134,000 per year or more.
PA Salary Rundown By Specialty: What are the highest paid physician assistant specialties?
Many physician assistants report that their authority is often questioned out of a misunderstanding of their responsibilities. 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 specialty offers their own 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 is important to note 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 is $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 dermatology PA salary was $145,000 based on the latest public AAPA report. For reference, before bonuses and/or productivity pay, the PA salary for this specialty is approximately $112,000. The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants states that dermatology PAs are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a broad variety of conditions. Dermatology PAs play an important role in the healthcare system by diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions, which can improve the quality of life for their patients.
3. Emergency Medicine PA Salary
Emergency medicine PAs earned a median of $133,990 in total compensation based on the latest AAPA public report. This figure reflects the fact that an average number of PAs in this specialty 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 earned a median of $133,120 in total compensation based on their 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.
5. Critical Care PA Salary
Critical care PAs earned $133,000 in total compensation on the report of the AAPA. Critical care PAs are highly skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in providing intensive medical care to critically ill patients in various settings, including hospitals, intensive care units (ICUs), and trauma centers. Critical care PAs play a vital role in advocating for patient needs and delivering high-quality healthcare services.
6. Psychiatry PA Salary
PAs in the psychiatry specialty earned $130,000 in total compensation based on the latest AAPA public report. Average job duties include providing mental health services to patients and evaluating their mental health needs by reviewing medical and personal histories.
7. Surgical Subspecialties PA Salary
Surgical subspecialty PAs earn a total median compensation of $130,000, including bonus and productivity pay based on the latest public AAPA report. Surgical subspecialty PAs are unique in their ability to provide care to patients in surgical environments anywhere in which they work under the authority of an overseeing surgeon. They deliver care imperative to patients in a surgical environment.
8. Neurosurgery PA Salary
The AAPA states that the neurosurgery PAs earned a total compensation of $129,000 in their latest public report. Neurosurgery PA salary was reported to be a median of $124,000. According to the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants, neurosurgery PAs participate in various aspects of pre-surgery, during surgery, and post-surgery care. Their work includes recording patient histories, collaborating on treatment plans, and serving as the primary assistant during surgeries.
9. Urgent Care PA Salary
Urgent care PAs earned a median of $128,980 in total compensation based on their latest public report. 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. Orthopaedic Surgery PA Salary
Orthopaedic PA salary was reported to be a median of $120,000, not counting additional pay. However, most PAs receive additional compensation, with a median package of $128,000 in their latest public report. 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.
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.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally written in March 2024 by Mia Lombardo. It was updated in October 2024 by Nathan Taylor to reflect updated information.
