Physician Assistant Salary in the United States
Based on 162K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$136,050
$65.409/hr
▲ 3.2% vs 2024Salary Range
$118K – $207K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
162K
workers nationwide
Physician Assistant salary in the United States reflects strong compensation for this in-demand healthcare role. The median annual salary stands at $131,771, with approximately 155,650 Physician Assistants currently employed across the country. This competitive median places the profession among well-compensated healthcare positions, attracting skilled professionals to the field.
Physician Assistant compensation varies significantly based on several factors, including geographic location, clinical specialty, years of experience, and employer type. Salaries typically range from $67,030 to $172,020 annually, demonstrating substantial earning potential as practitioners advance in their careers. Urban medical centers and specialized practices generally offer higher compensation packages compared to rural or primary care settings.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $117,860 |
| 25th percentile | $134,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $136,050 |
| 75th percentile | $192,370 |
| 90th percentile | $207,000 |
Physician Assistant Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Physician Assistant
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $165,690 | +21.8% | 5K |
| 2 | California | $165,650 | +21.8% | 14K |
| 3 | Washington | $164,360 | +20.8% | 4K |
| 4 | Hawaii | $164,050 | +20.6% | 530 |
| 5 | New York | $160,880 | +18.3% | 19K |
| 6 | Oregon | $155,780 | +14.5% | 2K |
| 7 | New Hampshire | $150,960 | +11.0% | 1K |
| 8 | Alaska | $150,700 | +10.8% | 700 |
| 9 | Vermont | $150,490 | +10.6% | 410 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | $142,410 | +4.7% | 4K |
Historical Salary Trend — Physician Assistant
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $136,050 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make per hour in the United States?
- Physician assistants earn a median hourly rate of $63/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $131,771, though hourly rates can vary based on experience, location, and employer.
What is the salary range for physician assistants?
- Physician assistant salaries in the United States range from $67,030 at the lower end to $172,020 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, geographic location, and type of employment setting.
Which city pays physician assistants the most?
- Hawaii offers the highest salary for physician assistants at $163,020 per year. This top-paying location significantly exceeds the national median salary of $131,771.
How many physician assistants are currently employed in the US?
- There are approximately 155,650 physician assistants currently employed throughout the United States, representing a substantial and growing healthcare workforce.