A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physician. PAs can perform many of the same tasks as physicians, such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and performing minor surgeries. However, PAs are not physicians and do not have the same level of training.
- Physician Assistant Salary in the USA: Everything You Need to Know
- How Much Do Physician Assistants Make in the USA?
- Physician Assistant Salary by State
- Physician Assistant Salary by Speciality
- Factors That Affect Physician Assistant Salary
- Tips for Increasing Your Physician Assistant Salary
- How to Become Physician Assistant in US
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
Physician Assistant Salary in the USA: Everything You Need to Know
Physician assistants (PAs) are highly skilled healthcare professionals who play a vital role in the US healthcare system. They work alongside physicians to diagnose and treat patients, and they can perform many of the same tasks as physicians, such as ordering tests, prescribing medications, and performing minor surgeries. PAs are in high demand, and their salaries reflect that. The median salary for a PA in the USA in 2021 was $121,530, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of PAs earned more than $141,930 per year. It is important to note that the salary range for PAs can vary widely, depending on all of the factors listed above. For example, a PA with 10 years of experience and a specialization in cardiology who works full-time for a hospital in a major city is likely to earn a much higher salary than a PA with less experience and no specialization who works part-time for a small private practice in a rural area.
How Much Do Physician Assistants Make in the USA?
The median salary for a physician assistant (PA) in the USA in 2021 was $121,530, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of PAs earned more than $141,930 per year.
However, PA salary can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Experience: PAs with more experience typically earn more money.
- Education: PAs with additional education, such as a master’s degree, typically earn more money.
- Location: PAs who work in high-cost areas, such as major cities, typically earn more money.
- Specialty: PAs who specialize in certain areas, such as cardiology or surgery, typically earn more money.
Physician Assistant Salary by State
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $131,410 |
| Massachusetts | $129,960 |
| New Jersey | $129,400 |
| New York | $128,170 |
| Connecticut | $127,940 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Specialty
| Specialty | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Cardiothoracic surgery | $153,340 |
| Surgical oncology | $149,900 |
| Orthopedic surgery | $149,550 |
| Urology | $149,410 |
| Cardiology | $148,950 |
Factors That Affect Physician Assistant Salary
- Experience: PAs with more experience typically earn more money. This is because they have more skills and knowledge, and they are more valuable to employers.
- Education: PAs with additional education, such as a master’s degree or a specialization in a high-paying area, typically earn more money.
- Location: PAs who work in high-cost areas, such as major cities, typically earn more money. This is because the cost of living is higher in these areas, and employers need to pay their employees more to attract and retain them.
- Specialty: PAs who specialize in certain areas, such as cardiology or surgery, typically earn more money. This is because these specialties are more demanding and require more training and experience.
Tips for Increasing Your Physician Assistant Salary
- Gain experience: The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to employers and the higher your salary will be. You can gain experience by working full-time, part-time, or on a contract basis.
- Get additional education: Getting a master’s degree or specializing in a high-paying area can help you increase your salary. You can also take continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in your field.
- Negotiate your salary: When you are offered a job, be sure to negotiate your salary. Do your research to find out what other PAs with your experience and qualifications are earning in your area.
- Move to a high-paying area: PAs who work in high-cost areas, such as major cities, typically earn more money. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cost of living is also higher in these areas.
- Work for a large healthcare organization: PAs who work for hospitals or other large healthcare organizations typically earn more money than those who work for small private practices.
- Work full-time: PAs who work full-time typically earn more money than those who work part-time.
- Work evening or night shifts: PAs who work evening or night shifts typically earn more money than those who work day shifts.
- Be on-call: PAs who are on-call typically earn more money than those who are not on-call.
How to Become Physician Assistant in US
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. There is no specific major required to become a PA, but most programs require applicants to have a strong science background. Some popular majors for pre-PA students include biology, chemistry, and kinesiology.
- Gain patient care experience. Most PA programs require applicants to have at least 1,000 hours of patient care experience before they can apply. This experience can be gained through volunteering, working as a medical assistant or EMT, or shadowing a PA or physician.
- Complete a PA program. There are over 200 PA programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). PA programs typically last 27 months and include a mix of classroom instruction and clinical rotations.
- Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Once you graduate from a PA program, you must pass the PANCE in order to become licensed and practice as a PA.
- Obtain state licensure. Each state has its own licensing requirements for PAs. Be sure to check with your state’s licensing board to find out what the requirements are in your area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, physician assistants (PAs) are highly skilled healthcare professionals who play a vital role in the US healthcare system. PAs work alongside physicians to diagnose and treat patients, and they can perform many of the same tasks as physicians, such as ordering tests, prescribing medications, and performing minor surgeries. PAs are in high demand, and their salaries reflect that. The median salary for a PA in the USA in 2023 was $121,530, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of PAs earned more than $141,930 per year.
If you are interested in a career as a PA, there are a few things you can do to increase your earning potential. You can gain experience by working in a healthcare setting, get additional education by pursuing a master’s degree or specializing in a high-paying area, and negotiate your salary when you are offered a job. Becoming a PA is a rewarding career path that offers good pay and job security. PAs play an important role in the US healthcare system and are in high demand. If you are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a PA may be a good option for you.
FAQ's
Cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery is the most lucrative PA specialty. This specialty has a median pay of $152,500. Other high-paying PA specialty and their annual salaries are as follows: Dermatology costs $145,000.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 27.6% increase in physician assistant employment between 2021 and 2031. During that time, an estimated 38,400 positions should become available. Physician assistants, sometimes known as physician associates, are quite common in the medical field.
