As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Certified Physician Assistant (PA) in the United States is $123,400. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $113,000 to $132,100, with most professionals earning between $103,531 and $140,021.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $132,100 | $11,008 | $2,540 | $64 |
| Average | $123,400 | $10,283 | $2,373 | $59 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,000 | $9,417 | $2,173 | $54 |
An entry-level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) with less than 1 year of experience earns about $119,985. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $120,296. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $124,049. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $127,685, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $127,945.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $119,985 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $120,296 |
| Senior Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $124,049 |
| Specialist Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $127,685 |
| Expert Level Certified Physician Assistant (PA) | $127,945 |
| Entry Level | 3% |
| Mid Level | 3% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 4% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Certified Physician Assistant (PA) compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $231,993 in 2023 to approximately $237,504 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Certified Physician Assistant (PA) salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Certified Physician Assistant (PA) information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Certified Physician Assistant (PA) job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Certified Physician Assistant (PA) and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $123,400 | 73.4% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $9,440 | 5.6% | ||
| 401K/403B | $6,047 | 3.6% | ||
| Disability | $1,974 | 1.2% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 3.8% | ||
| Pension | $5,183 | 3.1% | ||
| Time Off | $15,662 | 9.3% | ||
| Total Compensation | $168,077 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.0% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 2.2% |
| Bachelors | 22.8% |
| Masters | 70.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.9% |
What Am I Worth?
While some PAs in specialized fields may earn high salaries, the typical salary range for Certified Physician Assistants is between $112,200 and $134,300 annually. Achieving a salary of $400,000 is uncommon and usually depends on factors like experience, location, and the specific practice setting.
PA school is generally considered less intense than medical school, with a shorter duration and a more focused curriculum. While both paths require dedication and hard work, PA programs typically emphasize practical skills and clinical experience. Graduates can expect competitive salaries, with a minimum of $112,200, a mid-range of $121,800, and a maximum of $134,300.
Physician Assistants (PAs) have the ability to diagnose patients and prescribe medications, which is beyond the scope of practice for Registered Nurses (RNs). This advanced training allows PAs to perform comprehensive patient assessments and manage treatment plans. With a salary range from $112,200 to $134,300, PAs play a crucial role in healthcare, enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Physician assistants can expect to earn between $112,200 and $134,300 annually, with a median salary of approximately $121,800. In comparison, nurse practitioners typically earn around $123,780 per year. Choosing between these careers can be challenging due to the similarities in their roles and responsibilities.
The East is home to some of the best states for Physician Assistants, including Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont. These states offer a supportive practice environment and all six key elements of modern PA practice. With salaries ranging from $112,200 to $134,300, PAs can enjoy both professional autonomy and competitive compensation.
Both PAs and NPs are mid-level medical professionals, generally at the same level. However, NPs often have more practice independence in many states. In terms of salary, Certified Physician Assistants earn between $112,200 and $134,300, with a median salary of $121,800. This can vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
