Physician Assistant Salary in Washington
Based on 4K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$164,360
$79.02/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
+20.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$126K – $218K
4K employed in Washington
The Physician Assistant salary in Washington presents a compelling picture for those in this vital healthcare profession. Professionals in the Evergreen State can expect a median annual income of $164,360, placing them significantly ahead of the national average. This figure represents the midpoint, with actual earnings for Physician Assistants in Washington falling within a broad range of $125,580 to $218,150 per year, highlighting considerable earning potential.
Several factors contribute to the robust Physician Assistant salary in Washington. Geographic location within the state, with urban centers often offering higher compensation, plays a role. Additionally, years of experience, specialized practice areas such as surgery or cardiology, and the specific healthcare setting, whether it be a large hospital system or a private practice, all influence an individual's earning capacity.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $125,580 |
| 25th percentile | $138,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $164,360 |
| 75th percentile | $177,930 |
| 90th percentile | $218,150 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $139,030 |
| 2023 | $156,930 |
| 2024 | $156,990 |
| 2025 | $164,360 |
| 2026 (projected) | $172,076 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $139,030 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $156,930 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $156,990 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $164,360 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $172,076 | $142,437 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $138,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $164,360 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $177,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $218,150 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Physician Assistant ($164,360 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +299.3% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +204.2% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +191.7% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +131.7% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +108.8% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +106.9% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +85.5% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +78.2% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +66.9% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +41.7% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +3.3% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +3.2% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Washington?
- The median salary for Physician Assistants in Washington is $164,360 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $79. This is significantly higher than the national average, sitting at 20.8% above it.
How much can a Physician Assistant in Washington expect to earn?
- The salary range for Physician Assistants in Washington is broad, typically falling between $125,580 and $218,150 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
How does the Physician Assistant salary in Washington compare to the rest of the country?
- Physician Assistants in Washington earn considerably more than the national average, with a median salary of $164,360 per year, which is 20.8% higher. This makes Washington an attractive state for PA professionals.
What is the total number of Physician Assistants employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 3,540 Physician Assistants employed in the state of Washington. This indicates a healthy job market for the profession within the state.