Physician assistants (PAs) in the United States make an average salary ranging roughly from $116,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on the source and factors such as location, specialty, and experience.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and recent reports, the median annual salary for PAs is about $130,020 as of 2023, with the top 10% earning over $157,000
- Indeed reports an average PA salary of approximately $116,475 to $127,344 per year, with salaries varying by state and practice setting
- Medscape’s data shows that PAs working in surgical centers or emergency departments can earn between $146,000 and $158,000 annually, with geographic location also impacting pay significantly. For example, PAs in the Pacific region earn around $159,000 on average, while those in other regions earn slightly less
- Gender pay differences exist, with male PAs earning around $152,000 on average and female PAs around $137,000, according to Medscape
- Locum tenens PAs, who work as independent contractors, can earn upwards of $100 per hour, potentially making around $208,000 annually if working full-time hours
In summary, a typical PA salary in 2025 is around $130,000 per year, but this can vary widely based on specialty, location, and employment type, with some PAs earning well above $150,000 or more in certain roles or regions
