Top 5 Surgical Physician Assistant Salary Ranges Revealed

Physician assistants (PAs) are highly trained medical professionals who work under the supervision of licensed physicians to provide patient care and support. Within the PA profession, there are various specialties, and one of the most in-demand and lucrative is surgical physician assistants. In this article, we will delve into the top 5 surgical physician assistant salary ranges, highlighting the factors that influence their compensation and providing insights into the career's growth prospects.

Surgical physician assistants play a vital role in the healthcare system, working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Their responsibilities may include pre-operative evaluations, assisting during surgeries, and providing post-operative care. Given the high level of skill and expertise required for this role, it's no surprise that surgical PAs are among the highest-paid physician assistants in the industry.

Top 5 Surgical Physician Assistant Salary Ranges

Based on national averages and data from reputable sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and online job postings, here are the top 5 surgical physician assistant salary ranges in the United States:

1. Orthopedic Surgery PAs: $145,000 - $180,000 per year

Orthopedic surgery PAs work with orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Their responsibilities may include assisting during joint replacement surgeries, fracture reductions, and other orthopedic procedures.

2. Cardiothoracic Surgery PAs: $140,000 - $175,000 per year

Cardiothoracic surgery PAs work alongside cardiothoracic surgeons to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and other organs in the thoracic cavity. Their responsibilities may include assisting during coronary artery bypass grafting, heart transplants, and lung surgeries.

3. Neurosurgery PAs: $135,000 - $170,000 per year

Neurosurgery PAs work with neurosurgeons to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system. Their responsibilities may include assisting during craniotomies, spinal fusions, and other neurosurgical procedures.

4. General Surgery PAs: $130,000 - $165,000 per year

General surgery PAs work with general surgeons to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including abdominal, breast, and skin disorders. Their responsibilities may include assisting during appendectomies, cholecystectomies, and other general surgical procedures.

5. Urology Surgery PAs: $125,000 - $160,000 per year

Urology surgery PAs work with urologists to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Their responsibilities may include assisting during prostatectomies, kidney stone removals, and other urological procedures.

Factors Influencing Surgical Physician Assistant Salaries

Several factors can influence a surgical physician assistant's salary, including:

• Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location, with urban areas tend to offer higher salaries than rural areas.
• Experience: More experienced PAs can command higher salaries, with senior PAs earning up to 20% more than their junior counterparts.
• Specialty: As mentioned earlier, certain specialties like orthopedic surgery and cardiothoracic surgery tend to offer higher salaries than others.
• Certifications: PAs with specialized certifications, such as the Certified Physician Assistant - Surgery (CPAS) credential, may be eligible for higher salaries.
• Employer: Salaries can vary depending on the employer, with academic institutions, hospitals, and private practices offering different compensation packages.

Growth Prospects for Surgical Physician Assistants

The demand for surgical physician assistants is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by an aging population, an increased focus on preventive care, and a shortage of primary care physicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of PAs is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Conclusion

Surgical physician assistants play a vital role in the healthcare system, and their salaries reflect their high level of skill and expertise. With salaries ranging from $125,000 to over $180,000 per year, surgical PAs are among the highest-paid physician assistants in the industry. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, the career prospects for surgical PAs look promising, making this an attractive career path for those interested in a challenging and rewarding profession.

What is the average salary for a surgical physician assistant in the United States?

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The average salary for a surgical physician assistant in the United States is around $140,000 per year, according to national averages and online job postings.

What factors influence a surgical physician assistant's salary?

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Several factors can influence a surgical physician assistant's salary, including location, experience, specialty, certifications, and employer.

What is the job outlook for surgical physician assistants?

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The job outlook for surgical physician assistants is promising, with employment expected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.