Physician Assistant Salary in Tennessee
Based on 2K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$118,240
$56.85/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-13.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$93K – $142K
2K employed in Tennessee
The Physician Assistant salary in Tennessee shows a median of $118,240 annually. This figure falls 13% below the national average, with most PAs in the state earning between $93,380 and $141,670. Currently, approximately 2,240 Physician Assistants are employed across Tennessee.
Several factors can influence a Physician Assistant salary in Tennessee, including years of experience, specialization area such as surgery or primary care, and the specific healthcare setting like a large hospital system or a private practice. Location within Tennessee, whether in a major metropolitan area or a rural community, can also impact compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $93,380 |
| 25th percentile | $102,690 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $118,240 |
| 75th percentile | $132,500 |
| 90th percentile | $141,670 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,400 |
| 2023 | $111,540 |
| 2024 | $113,990 |
| 2025 | $118,240 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,648 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,400 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $111,540 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $113,990 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $118,240 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,648 | $141,122 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $102,690 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $118,240 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $141,670 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Physician Assistant ($118,240 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +416.0% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +215.9% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +199.9% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +179.6% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +96.4% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +91.8% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +82.1% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +81.7% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +79.7% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +78.8% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +49.0% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +13.5% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physician Assistant salary in Tennessee?
- The median Physician Assistant salary in Tennessee is $118,240 per year, which is equivalent to $57 per hour. This figure is 13.1% lower than the national average for Physician Assistants.
How much can a Physician Assistant in Tennessee expect to make?
- Physician Assistants in Tennessee typically earn between $93,380 and $141,670 annually. The median salary falls within this range at $118,240 per year.
Is Tennessee a good state for Physician Assistant salaries compared to the national average?
- Tennessee's Physician Assistant salaries are below the national average, with a median annual income of $118,240 compared to the national median. This represents a difference of -13.1%.
How many Physician Assistants are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 2,240 Physician Assistants employed in Tennessee. These professionals contribute to the healthcare landscape with a median salary of $118,240 per year.