Physician Assistant Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 4K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$142,410
$68.47/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
+4.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $204K
4K employed in Massachusetts
Physician Assistant salary in Massachusetts averages $142,410 annually, positioning the state as a competitive market for healthcare professionals. With approximately 4,470 employed physician assistants across Massachusetts, this median figure sits 5% above the national average, reflecting the state's robust healthcare sector and higher cost of living compared to most regions.
Compensation for physician assistants in Massachusetts varies significantly based on experience, specialty, and employer type. Salaries range from $65,220 to $204,140, with factors like geographic location within the state, clinical setting, patient population, and years of practice experience all influencing earning potential. Urban centers and specialized medical facilities typically offer higher compensation packages than rural areas.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,220 |
| 25th percentile | $128,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $142,410 |
| 75th percentile | $169,980 |
| 90th percentile | $204,140 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,210 |
| 2023 | $135,720 |
| 2024 | $138,090 |
| 2025 | $142,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $146,865 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $132,210 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $135,720 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $138,090 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $142,410 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $146,865 | $140,306 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $128,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $142,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $169,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $204,140 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Physician Assistant ($142,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MA | $426,560 | +199.5% | $205.08/hr |
| Surgeon in MA | $387,150 | +171.9% | $186.13/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MA | $356,230 | +150.1% | $171.26/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MA | $295,550 | +107.5% | $142.09/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MA | $285,250 | +100.3% | $137.14/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MA | $277,490 | +94.9% | $133.41/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MA | $272,240 | +91.2% | $130.88/hr |
| Pediatrician in MA | $221,170 | +55.3% | $106.33/hr |
| Podiatrist in MA | $217,700 | +52.9% | $104.66/hr |
| Dentist in MA | $181,600 | +27.5% | $87.31/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MA | $159,800 | +12.2% | $76.83/hr |
| Optometrist in MA | $151,730 | +6.5% | $72.95/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for physician assistants in Massachusetts is $142,410 per year, or approximately $68 per hour. This is 4.7% higher than the national average, making Massachusetts a competitive state for PA compensation.
What is the salary range for PAs working in Massachusetts?
- Physician assistant salaries in Massachusetts range from a low of $65,220 to a high of $204,140 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state.
Is the PA salary in Massachusetts above the national average?
- Yes, Massachusetts physician assistants earn 4.7% more than the national average, with a median salary of $142,410 compared to the national median. This premium reflects the state's strong healthcare market and cost of living.
How many physician assistants are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 4,470 physician assistants currently employed in Massachusetts, representing a substantial and active workforce in the state's healthcare system.