Physician Assistant Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 470+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$135,140
$64.97/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-0.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $214K
470 employed in District of Columbia
Physician Assistant salary in District of Columbia averages $135,140 annually, slightly below the national median. The 470 practicing PAs in the district earn between $84,520 and $213,560 depending on experience and specialization. Despite being a major metropolitan hub with significant healthcare demand, DC compensation runs approximately 1% lower than the national average for this profession.
Several factors influence Physician Assistant salary in District of Columbia, including years of clinical experience, medical specialty, employer type, and educational credentials. Healthcare settings vary widely, from federal government agencies to private practices and hospital systems, each offering different compensation structures. Geographic cost of living adjustments and local market competition for talent also play roles in determining individual earnings within the district.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,520 |
| 25th percentile | $127,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $135,140 |
| 75th percentile | $165,890 |
| 90th percentile | $213,560 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $127,140 |
| 2023 | $124,350 |
| 2024 | $131,070 |
| 2025 | $135,140 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,336 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $127,140 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $124,350 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $131,070 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $135,140 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,336 | $140,275 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $127,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $135,140 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,890 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $213,560 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Physician Assistant ($135,140 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +135.5% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +96.6% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +72.7% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +65.2% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +49.9% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +35.5% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +35.0% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +14.8% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +13.5% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +1.5% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +0.5% | $65.33/hr |
| Optometrist in DC | $134,840 | -0.2% | $64.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Washington DC?
- Physician assistants in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $135,140 per year, or approximately $65 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a difference of -0.7%.
What is the salary range for physician assistants in DC?
- The salary range for physician assistants in District of Columbia spans from $84,520 at the lower end to $213,560 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many physician assistants work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 470 physician assistants currently employed in the District of Columbia, making it an active market for PA professionals in the region.
Is the DC physician assistant salary competitive compared to the national average?
- The District of Columbia physician assistant salary is slightly below the national average by 0.7%, with a median of $135,140 annually compared to national benchmarks. Despite this modest difference, DC remains a significant employment hub with nearly 500 PAs in the workforce.