Physician Assistant Salary in Kentucky
Based on 1K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$120,760
$58.06/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-11.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $162K
1K employed in Kentucky
Physician Assistant salary in Kentucky averages $120,760 annually, according to current labor data. With approximately 1,360 practicing physician assistants in the state, Kentucky's compensation falls about 11% below the national average. However, salaries in this field vary considerably, ranging from $79,550 to $161,820 depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence physician assistant earnings throughout Kentucky, including years of experience, specialty selection, and geographic location within the state. Work setting—whether in rural clinics, urban hospitals, or specialized practices—also significantly impacts compensation levels. Additionally, credentials, certifications, and continuing education can affect earning potential in this healthcare profession.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,550 |
| 25th percentile | $102,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $120,760 |
| 75th percentile | $136,080 |
| 90th percentile | $161,820 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,840 |
| 2023 | $103,490 |
| 2024 | $110,300 |
| 2025 | $120,760 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,006 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,840 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $103,490 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $110,300 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $120,760 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,006 | $144,213 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $102,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $120,760 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,080 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $161,820 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Physician Assistant ($120,760 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +362.2% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +188.1% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +162.6% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +131.9% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +106.0% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +100.0% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +96.9% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +84.3% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +66.7% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +45.5% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +40.3% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +34.3% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for physician assistants in Kentucky is $120,760 per year, or $58 per hour. This is approximately 11.2% lower than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for PAs in Kentucky?
- Physician assistant salaries in Kentucky range from $79,550 at the lower end to $161,820 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience, location, and specialty.
Is Kentucky's physician assistant salary below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median PA salary of $120,760 is 11.2% below the national average, making it a lower-paying state for this profession compared to the country overall.
How many physician assistants work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 1,360 physician assistants currently employed in Kentucky, indicating a moderate job market for PAs in the state.