Physician Assistant Salary in California
Based on 14K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$165,650
$79.639/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
+21.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$99K – $225K
14K employed in California
Physician Assistant salary in California averages $165,650 per year, positioning the state as a lucrative market for these healthcare professionals. With approximately 13,600 employed Physician Assistants across California, the median compensation runs 22% above the national average, reflecting the state's higher cost of living and strong demand for qualified medical practitioners.
Several factors influence Physician Assistant salary in California, including geographic location within the state, years of clinical experience, and medical specialization. Urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco typically offer higher compensation than rural areas, while specialists in surgery or emergency medicine often earn more than those in primary care. Additionally, employer type—whether hospital, private practice, or urgent care clinic—significantly impacts earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $99,380 |
| 25th percentile | $136,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $165,650 |
| 75th percentile | $206,990 |
| 90th percentile | $225,190 |
Historical Salary Trend — Physician Assistant in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $142,520 |
| 2023 | $157,490 |
| 2024 | $161,080 |
| 2025 | $165,650 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $142,520 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $157,490 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $161,080 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $165,650 | $136,050 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in California
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in California?
- The median salary for physician assistants in California is $165,650 per year, or approximately $80 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 21.8% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for PAs in California?
- Physician assistant salaries in California range from $99,380 at the lower end to $225,190 at the higher end, reflecting variations based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is being a physician assistant in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, California physician assistants earn 21.8% more than the national average, with a median salary of $165,650 compared to lower national figures, making it one of the higher-paying states for this profession.
How many physician assistants are employed in California?
- There are currently 13,600 physician assistants employed in California, indicating a substantial workforce in the state for this healthcare profession.