The physician associate (PA) profession stands out as one of the most dynamic, in-demand, and financially rewarding careers in modern healthcare. Offering the opportunity to practice medicine collaboratively with physicians, PAs combine clinical expertise with patient-centered care. But beyond the personal fulfillment, the career offers a robust financial outlook, with average salaries comfortably reaching into the six-figure range and significant potential for growth.
This guide will provide a data-driven look at what you can expect to earn as a physician associate, the key factors that will shape your salary, and the outstanding career outlook for this vital profession.
What Does a Physician Associate Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the role. Physician associates are licensed clinicians trained in the medical model who work on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers. Their responsibilities are extensive and varied, often mirroring those of a physician. A typical day for a PA can include:
- Taking patient medical histories
- Conducting physical exams
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Developing and managing treatment plans
- Prescribing medication
- Assisting in surgery
- Providing patient education and counseling
Working in virtually every medical specialty and setting, from family medicine to cardiothoracic surgery, PAs are critical to increasing patient access to high-quality care.
*Note: The profession is formally transitioning its title from "physician assistant" to "physician associate" to more accurately reflect the role. While "physician associate" is used throughout this article, many official data sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) still use the title "physician assistant."*
Average Physician Associate Salary
The earning potential for a physician associate is strong from the moment of graduation. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physician assistants was $130,020 as of May 2023.
This figure represents the midpoint, meaning half of all PAs earned more, and half earned less. To provide a fuller picture, salary aggregators offer a look at the typical range:
- Salary.com reports a slightly higher median salary of $134,810, with a common salary range falling between $124,118 and $148,391 as of early 2024.
- The 2023 AAPA Salary Report, published by the American Academy of Physician Associates, found the median base salary for PAs with 3-4 years of experience was $120,000.
- The salary spectrum is wide. The lowest 10% of earners, often representing entry-level positions in lower-paying areas, make around $85,730, while the top 10% of earners can command salaries upwards of $173,530 (BLS, 2023).
This data confirms that a six-figure salary is the standard, not the exception, for PAs.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
While the national average provides a great benchmark, your individual salary will be influenced by several key factors. Understanding these variables is crucial for maximizing your earning potential throughout your career.
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Level of Education
To become a practicing PA, a Master's degree from an accredited Physician Associate program is the standard requirement. Therefore, unlike some professions, the primary educational level is consistent across the board. However, the emergence of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree offers a path for further education. A DMSc is typically pursued by experienced PAs seeking to move into leadership, administration, or academic roles. While it can lead to higher long-term earnings in those specific tracks, it does not significantly impact the starting clinical salary of a new graduate compared to a Master's degree. The key takeaway is that a Master's degree is the essential key to unlocking a high starting salary in this field.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth for a PA. As you accumulate clinical experience, your value to an employer increases, leading to higher compensation.
Based on data from the 2023 AAPA Salary Report, here is a typical progression:
- Entry-Level (0-1 year): Median base salary of $107,000.
- Early Career (2-4 years): Median base salary rises to $115,000 - $120,000.
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): PAs typically earn a median base salary of $125,000.
- Experienced (10+ years): With a decade or more of experience, the median base salary exceeds $134,000, with top earners far surpassing this figure.
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Geographic Location
Where you choose to practice has a massive impact on your salary. Compensation varies dramatically by state and even by metropolitan area due to differences in cost of living, demand, and scope-of-practice regulations.
According to the BLS, the top-paying states for physician associates are:
1. Washington: $151,130 (mean annual wage)
2. California: $148,300
3. Alaska: $146,160
4. Nevada: $145,590
5. Connecticut: $143,190
It's important to weigh these higher salaries against the cost of living in these regions to understand your true earning power.
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Company Type / Work Setting
The setting where you work is another critical factor. PAs practicing in high-acuity, hospital-based environments often earn more than those in smaller, private outpatient offices. The AAPA Salary Report highlights this variance:
- Surgical Subspecialties (Hospital-based): PAs in specialties like cardiothoracic surgery often command the highest salaries due to the complexity and intensity of the work.
- Hospitals (State, Local, and Private): This setting has a mean salary of $135,160 (BLS).
- Outpatient Care Centers: PAs here earn a strong mean salary of $139,400 (BLS), often driven by high patient volume and procedural work.
- Offices of Physicians: This is the most common work setting, with a mean salary of $127,100 (BLS).
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Area of Specialization
Perhaps the most significant factor in determining earning potential is your chosen medical specialty. Compensation directly correlates with the procedures performed, the level of acuity, and market demand for that specialty. The 2023 AAPA Salary Report provides clear data on this:
- Top-Earning Specialties (Median Base Salary):
- Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery: $152,000
- Dermatology: $145,000
- Critical Care: $137,000
- Emergency Medicine: $133,540
- Mid-Range Specialties (Median Base Salary):
- Orthopedic Surgery: $128,000
- Family Medicine: $115,000
- Pediatrics (Primary Care): $110,000
While primary care specialties may have a lower median salary, they are in extremely high demand and offer tremendous job stability and opportunities across the country.
Job Outlook
The future for physician associates is exceptionally bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for PAs will grow by 27% from 2022 to 2032, which is drastically faster than the average for all occupations.
This explosive growth translates to approximately 12,200 job openings for PAs each year over the decade. This demand is fueled by several factors, including an aging population's increased healthcare needs, a focus on team-based healthcare models, and the proven ability of PAs to provide high-quality, cost-effective medical care.
Conclusion
For individuals seeking a career that is intellectually stimulating, personally fulfilling, and financially lucrative, the physician associate path is an outstanding choice. With a standard median salary well over $130,000 and a clear trajectory for growth, the profession offers excellent financial stability.
Your earning potential can be significantly influenced by gaining experience, choosing a high-demand location, and selecting a specialized area of practice like dermatology or surgery. Coupled with a phenomenal job outlook that ensures high demand for years to come, becoming a physician associate is a strategic and rewarding investment in your professional future.