Physician Assistant Salary in California
Based on 14K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$165,650
$79.64/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 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physician Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physician Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physician Assistants in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $158,550 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $157,040 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $143,220 | 510 |
| Finance and Insurance | $138,040 | 50 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,710 | 350 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physician Assistant in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $142,520 |
| 2023 | $157,490 |
| 2024 | $161,080 |
| 2025 | $165,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $170,350 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| 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 |
| 2026 (projected) | $170,350 | $139,910 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $136,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $165,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $206,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $225,190 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Physician Assistant ($165,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +113.4% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +89.5% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +81.9% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +76.5% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +63.3% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +52.1% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +29.3% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +23.1% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +21.5% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +12.0% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +1.7% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +0.2% | $79.78/hr |
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.