Physician Assistant Salary in the United States
Based on 162K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$136,050
$65.41/hr
▲ 3.2% vs 2024Salary Range
$97K – $178K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
162K
workers nationwide
The Physician Assistant salary in the United States reflects a highly skilled and in-demand profession. The median annual income for Physician Assistants is $136,050, with a typical hourly rate of $65. This median figure provides a solid benchmark for understanding compensation within this vital healthcare role.
Several factors can influence a Physician Assistant's earnings. These include years of experience, specialization area, geographic location, and the type of healthcare facility or practice. For example, PAs in states like New Jersey may see higher compensation, with a reported median of $165,690.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $96,755 |
| 25th percentile | $118,808 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $136,050 |
| 75th percentile | $155,653 |
| 90th percentile | $177,876 |
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 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Industry
How much Physician Assistants earn across industries nationwide — Administrative and Support Services pays the most ($158,550 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administrative and Support Services | $158,550 | +16.5% | 2K |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $157,040 | +15.4% | 5K |
| 3 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $143,220 | +5.3% | 510 |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $138,040 | +1.5% | 50 |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,710 | +1.2% | 350 |
| 6 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $135,550 | -0.4% | 150K |
| 7 | Educational Services | $134,770 | -0.9% | 4K |
| 8 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $126,830 | -6.8% | — |
| 9 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $110,120 | -19.1% | 290 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Physician Assistant
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Physician Assistant roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montefiore Medical Center | $149,735 | 4 |
Historical Salary Trend — Physician Assistant
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $140,468 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $118,808 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $136,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $155,653 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $177,876 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in the US?
- The median Physician Assistant salary in the United States is $136,050 per year. This median figure is a good indicator of typical earnings, though individual salaries can vary significantly.
What is the salary range for Physician Assistants?
- Physician Assistant salaries in the US typically fall between $96,755 and $177,876 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and specialization.
Which state pays Physician Assistants the most?
- New Jersey currently offers the highest reported median salary for Physician Assistants, at $165,690 per year. This indicates a strong demand and competitive compensation in that particular state.
How many Physician Assistants are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 162,150 Physician Assistants employed across the United States. This substantial number highlights the significant role PAs play in the healthcare system.