Physician Assistant Salary in 2026
Physician assistants practice medicine under physician supervision, examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, and prescribing treatments. They work across medical and surgical specialties.
Median Salary
$123,000
$10,250/mo
Entry Level
$92,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$157,000
experienced
Job Growth
+28%
10-yr outlook
Physician Assistant Overview
Physician assistants practice medicine under physician supervision, examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, and prescribing treatments. They work across medical and surgical specialties.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
150K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$59.13/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,250
Physician Assistant Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Physician Assistant salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Physician Assistant Salary
$135,000
$11,250/month · $5,192/biweekly · $64.90/hr
Physician Assistant Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Physician Assistant field.
Entry-level Physician Assistants earn around $92,000, while the top 10% earn $172,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Physician Assistants
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $145,000 | +$22,000 |
| New York | $141,000 | +$18,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $123,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $121,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $121,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $145,000 | +$22,000 |
| Los Angeles | $138,000 | +$15,000 |
| Philadelphia | $125,000 | +$2,000 |
| Miami | $125,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $122,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Physician Assistant Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Physician Assistant from entry level to expert.
$92,000
0-2 years
$125,000
3-7 years
$157,000
8-14 years
$187,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Physician Assistant Salary FAQ
How much does a Physician Assistant make in 2026?
The median salary for a Physician Assistant in the United States is $123,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $92,000, while senior professionals earn up to $157,000. Top earners in the field can make $187,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Physician Assistant?
A Physician Assistant typically requires a Master's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Clinical Examination, Diagnosis, Procedure Assistance. Relevant certifications such as PANCE or NCCPA Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Physician Assistants?
The job market for Physician Assistants is projected to grow by 28% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 150K Physician Assistant positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Physician Assistants the most?
The highest-paying states for Physician Assistants include New York, California, Texas. In New York, the median salary is approximately $141,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Physician Assistant salary?
To increase your Physician Assistant salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Clinical Examination and Diagnosis. Pursue certifications such as PANCE. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $92,000 to $157,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Physician Assistant Salary
How we calculate Physician Assistant salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $123,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Physician Assistant in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($92,000) and senior-level ($157,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +28% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 150K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $123,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Physician Assistant compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Physician Assistant job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Physician Assistant salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Clinical Examination, Diagnosis, Procedure Assistance), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.