Physician Assistant Salary in Iowa
Based on 1K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$134,770
$64.79/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-0.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$102K – $183K
1K employed in Iowa
Physician Assistant salary in Iowa averages $134,770 annually, with approximately 1,200 PAs currently employed throughout the state. This figure sits just 1% below the national average, indicating competitive compensation for healthcare professionals in Iowa. Salaries in the field range from $102,330 at the lower end to $182,940 for experienced practitioners, reflecting significant earning potential.
Several factors influence Physician Assistant salary in Iowa, including years of experience, specialty selection, and geographic location within the state. Rural versus urban settings can affect compensation levels, as can the healthcare setting type—whether a PA works in a hospital, clinic, or private practice. Additionally, specialized fields and advanced certifications may lead to higher earning potential compared to general practice positions.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $102,330 |
| 25th percentile | $120,060 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,770 |
| 75th percentile | $159,950 |
| 90th percentile | $182,940 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,240 |
| 2023 | $128,960 |
| 2024 | $133,400 |
| 2025 | $134,770 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,154 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $125,240 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $128,960 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $133,400 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $134,770 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,154 | $137,447 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $120,060 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,770 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $159,950 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $182,940 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Physician Assistant ($134,770 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +218.4% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +200.7% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +174.8% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +164.2% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +119.1% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +110.0% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +102.6% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +96.8% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +94.7% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +34.7% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +3.0% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +0.0% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Iowa?
- Physician assistants in Iowa earn a median salary of $134,770 per year, or approximately $65 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.9%, making Iowa a competitive market for PA compensation.
What is the salary range for PAs working in Iowa?
- The salary range for physician assistants in Iowa spans from $102,330 at the lower end to $182,940 at the upper end, reflecting variations based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many physician assistants are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 1,200 physician assistants currently employed in Iowa, indicating a substantial workforce in the state.
Is the PA salary in Iowa competitive compared to the national average?
- Iowa's median PA salary of $134,770 is nearly competitive with the national average, falling just 0.9% below it. This makes Iowa a reasonable choice for physician assistants seeking stable compensation aligned with national standards.