Physician Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 9K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$127,070
$61.09/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-6.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$99K – $159K
9K employed in Pennsylvania
Understanding the Physician Assistant salary in Pennsylvania reveals a median annual income of $127,070. This figure falls within a broader salary range of $99,050 to $158,690, positioning Pennsylvania's Physician Assistant salaries approximately 7% below the national average. With 9,020 Physician Assistants currently employed in the state, this data provides a snapshot of the earning potential within this vital healthcare profession.
Several factors influence the Physician Assistant salary in Pennsylvania. Geographic location within the state, such as major metropolitan areas versus rural communities, can significantly impact compensation. Additionally, years of experience, specialized certifications, the specific healthcare setting (e.g., hospital, private practice, specialty clinic), and the demand for PAs in particular medical fields all play a crucial role in determining an individual's earning capacity.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $99,050 |
| 25th percentile | $107,260 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $127,070 |
| 75th percentile | $137,220 |
| 90th percentile | $158,690 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $109,100 |
| 2023 | $119,170 |
| 2024 | $124,880 |
| 2025 | $127,070 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,298 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $109,100 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $119,170 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $124,880 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $127,070 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,298 | $138,436 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $107,260 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $127,070 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $137,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $158,690 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Physician Assistant ($127,070 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in PA | $579,120 | +355.7% | $278.42/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in PA | $461,390 | +263.1% | $221.82/hr |
| Radiologist in PA | $455,380 | +258.4% | $218.93/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in PA | $306,030 | +140.8% | $147.13/hr |
| Psychiatrist in PA | $278,970 | +119.5% | $134.12/hr |
| Pediatrician in PA | $226,440 | +78.2% | $108.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in PA | $221,530 | +74.3% | $106.50/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in PA | $213,310 | +67.9% | $102.55/hr |
| Dentist in PA | $163,390 | +28.6% | $78.55/hr |
| Podiatrist in PA | $155,050 | +22.0% | $74.54/hr |
| Pharmacist in PA | $138,160 | +8.7% | $66.42/hr |
| Optometrist in PA | $135,400 | +6.6% | $65.10/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for a Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania is $127,070 per year, which breaks down to about $61 per hour. This median figure means half of Physician Assistants in the state earn more than this, and half earn less.
How does Pennsylvania's Physician Assistant salary compare to the national average?
- Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 6.6% less than the national average. While the median salary in Pennsylvania is $127,070 annually, the national median salary is higher.
What is the salary range for Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania?
- The typical salary range for Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania falls between $99,050 and $158,690 annually. This indicates that the majority of PAs in the state can expect to earn within these figures, with the median being $127,070.
How many Physician Assistants are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 9,020 Physician Assistants employed in Pennsylvania. This significant number reflects the demand for these healthcare professionals across the state.