Physician Assistant Salary in North Carolina
Based on 7K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$129,360
$62.19/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-4.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$101K – $165K
7K employed in North Carolina
The median Physician Assistant salary in North Carolina is $129,360 annually, placing it 5% below the national average. This data reflects the earnings of the state's 7,490 employed Physician Assistants, with typical salaries falling between $101,100 and $164,770 per year.
Several factors influence the Physician Assistant salary in North Carolina. Experience level, specialization within the PA field, and the specific geographic location within the state, such as urban versus rural areas, all play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential. The type of healthcare facility also contributes to salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,100 |
| 25th percentile | $110,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $129,360 |
| 75th percentile | $140,030 |
| 90th percentile | $164,770 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $121,980 |
| 2023 | $126,480 |
| 2024 | $128,540 |
| 2025 | $129,360 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,185 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $121,980 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $126,480 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $128,540 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $129,360 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,185 | $136,918 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $110,320 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $129,360 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $140,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,770 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Physician Assistant ($129,360 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +208.0% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +162.3% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +124.0% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +73.6% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +66.5% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +66.4% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +60.0% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +41.9% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +30.6% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +24.9% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +7.3% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +4.0% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in North Carolina?
- The median salary for Physician Assistants in North Carolina is $129,360 per year, which translates to approximately $62 per hour. This is 4.9% lower than the national average for PA salaries.
What is the typical salary range for Physician Assistants in North Carolina?
- Most Physician Assistants in North Carolina can expect to earn within a range of $101,100 to $164,770 annually. The median salary falls comfortably within this range at $129,360 per year.
How does North Carolina's Physician Assistant salary compare to the national average?
- Physician Assistants in North Carolina earn, on average, 4.9% less than their counterparts nationwide. The median salary in North Carolina is $129,360 per year, while the national median is higher.
How many Physician Assistants are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 7,490 Physician Assistants currently employed in North Carolina. The median annual salary for these professionals is $129,360.