Intro
Discover the latest Physician Assistant salary trends in our comprehensive guide. Learn about average PA salaries by state, specialty, and experience level. Get insights into factors affecting PA salary, benefits, and job outlook. Boost your career with our expert advice on negotiating salary and finding high-paying PA jobs.
The role of a Physician Assistant (PA) is a vital one in the healthcare industry. PAs are highly trained medical professionals who work under the supervision of physicians to provide high-quality patient care. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled PAs. If you're considering a career as a PA, one of the most important factors to consider is the Physician Assistant salary. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to PA salaries, including the average salary range, factors that affect salary, and how salaries vary by location and specialty.
Average Physician Assistant Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Physician Assistants in the United States was $108,610 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and specialty.
Here are some average salary ranges for PAs in different industries:
- Primary care: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
- Specialty care: $100,000 - $140,000 per year
- Surgical care: $110,000 - $150,000 per year
- Hospital care: $120,000 - $160,000 per year
Factors That Affect Physician Assistant Salary
Several factors can affect a PA's salary, including:
- Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location. Cities with a high cost of living, such as New York or San Francisco, tend to have higher salaries.
- Industry: PAs working in specialty care or surgical care tend to earn higher salaries than those working in primary care.
- Level of experience: More experienced PAs tend to earn higher salaries.
- Education: PAs with advanced degrees or certifications may earn higher salaries.
- Certification: PAs who are certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) may earn higher salaries.
Physician Assistant Salary by Location
Salaries for PAs can vary significantly depending on the location. Here are some average salary ranges for PAs in different cities:
- New York City, NY: $120,000 - $160,000 per year
- Los Angeles, CA: $110,000 - $150,000 per year
- Chicago, IL: $100,000 - $140,000 per year
- Houston, TX: $90,000 - $130,000 per year
- Phoenix, AZ: $80,000 - $120,000 per year
Physician Assistant Salary by Specialty
Salaries for PAs can also vary depending on the specialty. Here are some average salary ranges for PAs in different specialties:
- Surgery: $120,000 - $160,000 per year
- Emergency medicine: $110,000 - $150,000 per year
- Orthopedics: $100,000 - $140,000 per year
- Cardiology: $90,000 - $130,000 per year
- Pediatrics: $80,000 - $120,000 per year
Benefits and Perks
In addition to salary, PAs may also receive benefits and perks, such as:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Continuing education opportunities
- Malpractice insurance
Conclusion
Physician Assistant salary is an important factor to consider when pursuing a career as a PA. While salaries can vary depending on location, industry, and specialty, the average salary range for PAs is around $90,000 to $140,000 per year. By understanding the factors that affect salary and the average salary ranges for different locations and specialties, you can make informed decisions about your career as a PA.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences about Physician Assistant salary in the comments below. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the PA profession, please don't hesitate to ask.
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant?
+The average salary for a Physician Assistant is around $90,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on location, industry, and specialty.
What factors affect Physician Assistant salary?
+Factors that affect Physician Assistant salary include location, industry, level of experience, education, and certification.
What are the benefits and perks of being a Physician Assistant?
+Benefits and perks of being a Physician Assistant include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, continuing education opportunities, and malpractice insurance.