Physician assistant salary
BLS occupation: Physician Assistants · also called PA · Healthcare practitioners · data for May 2025
Median salary $135,880 a year, US
Median hourly pay $65.33 an hour
Middle half earn $120,670–$163,980 25th to 75th percentile
Physician assistants employed 162,150 +21.1% projected by 2035
How much does a physician assistant make?
- The median physician assistant salary in the US is $135,880 a year ($65.33 an hour): half of the 162,150 physician assistants BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $141,280.
- The middle half earn between $120,670 and $163,980. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $99,380 and the top 10% more than $190,280.
- That is 2.7 times the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- New Jersey pays physician assistants the most (median $165,690), followed by California ($165,650) and Washington ($164,360). Alabama pays the least ($104,960).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Oklahoma, where the median is worth $155,448 in typical US prices, then Vermont and Washington. New Jersey's higher pay is offset by its prices (108.8 vs a US average of 100).
- In all 344 metro areas with data, the median physician assistant salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of physician assistants to grow 21.1% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 11,500 openings a year. The typical entry education is a master's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what physician assistants are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Physician assistant salary range
Half of physician assistants earn between $120,670 and $163,980 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $99,380
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $120,670
Median Yearly pay: $135,880
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $163,980
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $190,280
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $99,380 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $120,670 |
| Median | $135,880 |
| Top 25% earn over | $163,980 |
| Top 10% earn over | $190,280 |
Physician assistant salary by state
New Jersey pays physician assistants the most; Alabama the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($135,880), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $165,690 median |
| California | $165,650 median |
| Washington | $164,360 median |
| Hawaii | $164,050 median |
| New York | $160,880 median |
| Oregon | $155,780 median |
| New Hampshire | $150,960 median |
| Alaska | $150,700 median |
| Vermont | $150,490 median |
| Massachusetts | $142,410 median |
| Montana | $141,470 median |
| Minnesota | $141,190 median |
| Rhode Island | $139,930 median |
| New Mexico | $139,920 median |
| Connecticut | $139,860 median |
| Delaware | $139,350 median |
| Maryland | $137,560 median |
| Oklahoma | $136,550 median |
| Wyoming | $136,080 median |
| Virginia | $135,940 median |
| District of Columbia | $135,140 median |
| Missouri | $135,130 median |
| Iowa | $134,770 median |
| Utah | $134,740 median |
| Nevada | $134,660 median |
| Arizona | $134,650 median |
| Texas | $134,550 median |
| Colorado | $134,540 median |
| Wisconsin | $133,950 median |
| Idaho | $133,790 median |
| North Dakota | $133,450 median |
| South Dakota | $133,200 median |
| Nebraska | $133,040 median |
| Ohio | $132,090 median |
| Indiana | $132,050 median |
| Illinois | $131,950 median |
| Michigan | $131,510 median |
| Maine | $131,170 median |
| Florida | $129,620 median |
| North Carolina | $129,360 median |
| Louisiana | $128,870 median |
| West Virginia | $128,610 median |
| Pennsylvania | $127,070 median |
| Kansas | $125,640 median |
| South Carolina | $122,490 median |
| Kentucky | $120,760 median |
| Arkansas | $118,430 median |
| Tennessee | $118,240 median |
| Georgia | $115,390 median |
| Mississippi | $105,920 median |
| Alabama | $104,960 median |
Where physician assistant pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Physician assistants' pay goes furthest in Oklahoma once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $155,448 |
| Vermont | $153,627 |
| Washington | $153,589 |
| Iowa | $153,563 |
| New Jersey | $152,282 |
| New Mexico | $151,737 |
| Oregon | $150,714 |
| South Dakota | $150,362 |
| North Dakota | $150,013 |
| California | $149,612 |
Physician assistant pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $165,690 | $79.66 | $117,860 | $207,000 | 4,790 | $152,282 |
| California | $165,650 | $79.64 | $99,380 | $225,190 | 13,600 | $149,612 |
| Washington | $164,360 | $79.02 | $125,580 | $218,150 | 3,540 | $153,589 |
| Hawaii | $164,050 | $78.87 | $79,280 | $178,110 | 530 | $149,203 |
| New York | $160,880 | $77.35 | $106,440 | $201,410 | 19,140 | $149,072 |
| Oregon | $155,780 | $74.89 | $123,100 | $198,490 | 2,250 | $150,714 |
| New Hampshire | $150,960 | $72.58 | $119,540 | $175,380 | 1,060 | $144,924 |
| Alaska | $150,700 | $72.45 | $106,060 | $201,270 | 700 | $147,227 |
| Vermont | $150,490 | $72.35 | $112,460 | $186,960 | 410 | $153,627 |
| Massachusetts | $142,410 | $68.47 | $65,220 | $204,140 | 4,470 | $134,658 |
| Montana | $141,470 | $68.01 | $112,200 | $165,560 | 600 | $149,474 |
| Minnesota | $141,190 | $67.88 | $112,390 | $183,320 | 3,660 | $143,164 |
| Rhode Island | $139,930 | $67.27 | $98,760 | $200,030 | 810 | $136,811 |
| New Mexico | $139,920 | $67.27 | $70,010 | $172,900 | 700 | $151,737 |
| Connecticut | $139,860 | $67.24 | $106,380 | $180,900 | 3,570 | $134,987 |
| Delaware | $139,350 | $67.00 | $108,560 | $175,970 | 860 | $139,618 |
| Maryland | $137,560 | $66.13 | $110,190 | $174,280 | 2,950 | $131,061 |
| Oklahoma | $136,550 | $65.65 | $102,890 | $173,010 | 1,770 | $155,448 |
| Wyoming | $136,080 | $65.42 | $102,320 | $177,900 | 330 | $146,810 |
| Virginia | $135,940 | $65.36 | $98,330 | $213,010 | 4,340 | $134,456 |
| District of Columbia | $135,140 | $64.97 | $84,520 | $213,560 | 470 | $122,965 |
| Missouri | $135,130 | $64.97 | $82,690 | $169,650 | 2,300 | $148,794 |
| Iowa | $134,770 | $64.79 | $102,330 | $182,940 | 1,200 | $153,563 |
| Utah | $134,740 | $64.78 | $82,910 | $171,430 | 1,610 | $136,288 |
| Nevada | $134,660 | $64.74 | $60,040 | $175,300 | 1,090 | $134,688 |
| Arizona | $134,650 | $64.74 | $106,030 | $174,420 | 3,750 | $133,745 |
| Texas | $134,550 | $64.69 | $102,650 | $169,000 | 10,110 | $138,630 |
| Colorado | $134,540 | $64.68 | $104,590 | $174,090 | 3,270 | $130,555 |
| Wisconsin | $133,950 | $64.40 | $102,420 | $169,150 | 3,580 | $142,356 |
| Idaho | $133,790 | $64.32 | $100,590 | $160,120 | 1,320 | $140,103 |
| North Dakota | $133,450 | $64.16 | $77,300 | $173,860 | 510 | $150,013 |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | $64.04 | $104,660 | $158,020 | 680 | $150,362 |
| Nebraska | $133,040 | $63.96 | $103,720 | $165,540 | 1,330 | $147,653 |
| Ohio | $132,090 | $63.50 | $96,460 | $210,350 | 4,900 | $142,378 |
| Indiana | $132,050 | $63.49 | $105,810 | $196,280 | 2,110 | $141,489 |
| Illinois | $131,950 | $63.44 | $105,160 | $162,330 | 3,790 | $132,005 |
| Michigan | $131,510 | $63.23 | $104,000 | $162,570 | 6,310 | $136,681 |
| Maine | $131,170 | $63.06 | $107,630 | $169,250 | 1,030 | $135,157 |
| Florida | $129,620 | $62.32 | $98,530 | $181,610 | 9,310 | $125,341 |
| North Carolina | $129,360 | $62.19 | $101,100 | $164,770 | 7,490 | $137,141 |
| Louisiana | $128,870 | $61.96 | $100,920 | $162,200 | 1,360 | $146,100 |
| West Virginia | $128,610 | $61.83 | $98,200 | $160,890 | 1,080 | $143,703 |
| Pennsylvania | $127,070 | $61.09 | $99,050 | $158,690 | 9,020 | $130,232 |
| Kansas | $125,640 | $60.40 | $98,280 | $168,480 | 890 | $139,495 |
| South Carolina | $122,490 | $58.89 | $77,620 | $158,860 | 2,250 | $130,657 |
| Kentucky | $120,760 | $58.06 | $79,550 | $161,820 | 1,360 | $133,941 |
| Arkansas | $118,430 | $56.94 | $88,160 | $159,080 | 850 | $136,225 |
| Tennessee | $118,240 | $56.85 | $93,380 | $141,670 | 2,240 | $128,704 |
| Georgia | $115,390 | $55.48 | $62,230 | $172,050 | 5,610 | $119,832 |
| Mississippi | $105,920 | $50.92 | $44,030 | $165,630 | 320 | $121,813 |
| Alabama | $104,960 | $50.46 | $83,020 | $145,100 | 930 | $118,168 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Physician assistant salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes physician assistant pay: 348 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $223,640
- Bakersfield, CA $198,070
- San Francisco, CA $184,380
- Yuba City, CA $183,460
- Vallejo, CA $179,520
- Santa Rosa, CA $172,750
- Napa, CA $172,170
- Salinas, CA $170,180
- Honolulu, HI $170,060
- Wenatchee, WA $168,080
Where the pay goes furthest
- San Jose, CA $202,530
- Bakersfield, CA $196,331
- Yuba City, CA $176,010
- Joplin, MO $175,342
- Springfield, MA $168,403
- Merced, CA $166,960
- Visalia, CA $166,802
- Vallejo, CA $165,488
- Midland, TX $165,165
- Barnstable, MA $165,052
All 348 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $223,640 | 1,030 | $202,530 | 20% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $198,070 | 350 | $196,331 | 11% |
| San Francisco, CA | $184,380 | 1,830 | $159,480 | 22% |
| Yuba City, CA | $183,460 | 40 | $176,010 | 13% |
| Vallejo, CA | $179,520 | 150 | $165,488 | 16% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $172,750 | 140 | $160,274 | 19% |
| Napa, CA | $172,170 | 50 | $152,967 | 20% |
| Salinas, CA | $170,180 | 130 | $156,068 | 20% |
| Honolulu, HI | $170,060 | 390 | $153,261 | 21% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $168,080 | 60 | $161,841 | 13% |
| New York, NY | $167,650 | 16,800 | $148,939 | 25% |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | 1,920 | $150,531 | 16% |
| Visalia, CA | $166,510 | 100 | $166,802 | 12% |
| Modesto, CA | $165,730 | 210 | $159,190 | 15% |
| Riverside, CA | $165,490 | 1,020 | $155,474 | 18% |
| San Diego, CA | $165,160 | 1,370 | $147,613 | 22% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $164,910 | 70 | $159,784 | 13% |
| Chico, CA | $164,780 | 130 | $162,831 | 11% |
| Merced, CA | $164,080 | 50 | $166,960 | 15% |
| Portland, OR | $163,810 | 1,110 | $155,386 | 13% |
| Burlington, VT | $163,560 | 200 | $162,022 | 19% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $162,790 | 100 | $149,904 | 21% |
| Barnstable, MA | $162,330 | 100 | $165,052 | 19% |
| Stockton, CA | $162,110 | 150 | $154,260 | 18% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $161,980 | 30 | $164,415 | 11% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $161,890 | 3,890 | $142,551 | 22% |
| Springfield, MA | $161,770 | 320 | $168,403 | 15% |
| Hanford, CA | $161,470 | 40 | $158,908 | 14% |
| Sacramento, CA | $161,470 | 1,070 | $151,373 | 17% |
| Bellingham, WA | $161,260 | 120 | $156,057 | 15% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $159,030 | 120 | $144,710 | 26% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $158,360 | 210 | $145,554 | 25% |
| Midland, TX | $158,200 | 60 | $165,165 | 12% |
| El Centro, CA | $156,730 | 40 | $164,677 | 14% |
| Fresno, CA | $155,440 | 360 | $152,156 | 16% |
| Medford, OR | $155,110 | 210 | $152,919 | 14% |
| Oxnard, CA | $154,760 | 210 | $140,011 | 23% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $154,610 | 510 | $141,297 | 18% |
| Kennewick, WA | $154,230 | 120 | $154,108 | 13% |
| Olympia, WA | $153,940 | 90 | $148,490 | 16% |
| Bremerton, WA | $153,810 | 70 | $145,644 | 16% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $153,280 | 150 | $155,052 | 16% |
| Worcester, MA | $152,860 | 470 | $149,098 | 17% |
| Anchorage, AK | $152,710 | 460 | $144,859 | 15% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $152,350 | 30 | $155,841 | 13% |
| Kingston, NY | $150,470 | 40 | $149,411 | 16% |
| Joplin, MO | $150,300 | 70 | $175,342 | 10% |
| Redding, CA | $150,010 | 70 | $148,991 | 13% |
| New Haven, CT | $149,960 | 740 | $143,421 | 16% |
| Bend, OR | $148,610 | 220 | $143,436 | 18% |
| Washington, DC | $148,200 | 3,020 | $136,108 | 19% |
| Spokane, WA | $147,570 | 350 | $147,061 | 12% |
| Corvallis, OR | $146,710 | 80 | $141,044 | 15% |
| Binghamton, NY | $146,120 | 200 | $157,350 | 13% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $145,400 | 940 | $136,061 | 24% |
| Eugene, OR | $145,030 | 240 | $142,791 | 15% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $145,030 | 2,340 | $138,358 | 14% |
| Salem, OR | $144,190 | 190 | $139,114 | 14% |
| Lewiston, ME | $143,710 | 80 | $151,695 | 13% |
| Greenville, NC | $142,950 | 190 | $161,704 | 12% |
| Farmington, NM | $142,890 | 50 | $162,917 | 12% |
| Salisbury, MD | $142,580 | 90 | $149,116 | 16% |
| North Port, FL | $142,510 | 520 | $139,147 | 18% |
| Boston, MA | $142,410 | 3,550 | $131,537 | 25% |
| Albany, OR | $142,220 | 30 | $139,295 | 14% |
| Mankato, MN | $142,020 | 70 | $156,143 | 10% |
| Bozeman, MT | $141,800 | 80 | $138,328 | 19% |
| Grand Island, NE | $141,590 | 40 | $163,391 | 11% |
| Billings, MT | $141,470 | 150 | $151,263 | 12% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $141,350 | 100 | $156,686 | 12% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $141,080 | 40 | $163,898 | 9% |
| Utica, NY | $140,300 | 120 | $151,384 | 12% |
| Killeen, TX | $140,200 | 350 | $153,843 | 11% |
| San Antonio, TX | $140,160 | 650 | $147,979 | 12% |
| Norwich, CT | $140,030 | 180 | $139,410 | 18% |
| Champaign, IL | $139,950 | 120 | $150,964 | 12% |
| Providence, RI | $139,930 | 950 | $137,492 | 19% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $139,920 | 380 | $146,443 | 13% |
| Manchester, NH | $139,210 | 260 | $131,757 | 19% |
| Ithaca, NY | $138,920 | 230 | $134,460 | 17% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $138,920 | 1,020 | $153,659 | 12% |
| Trenton, NJ | $138,880 | 140 | $134,600 | 22% |
| Baltimore, MD | $138,790 | 1,660 | $132,830 | 17% |
| Hartford, CT | $138,680 | 1,460 | $134,974 | 17% |
| Dayton, OH | $138,400 | 510 | $149,308 | 11% |
| Slidell, LA | $138,310 | 110 | $149,160 | – |
| St. George, UT | $138,110 | 110 | $141,912 | 16% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $138,060 | 50 | $159,825 | 9% |
| Albany, NY | $137,850 | 770 | $138,451 | 15% |
| Lebanon, PA | $137,770 | 90 | $147,800 | 13% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $137,620 | 100 | $144,702 | 15% |
| Columbus, OH | $137,550 | 1,140 | $144,078 | 13% |
| Elmira, NY | $137,550 | 60 | $145,713 | 10% |
| Lubbock, TX | $137,510 | 120 | $150,585 | 12% |
| Davenport, IA | $137,420 | 110 | $154,268 | 9% |
| Rochester, MN | $137,340 | 480 | $151,221 | 14% |
| Houston, TX | $137,240 | 2,390 | $139,148 | 14% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $137,220 | 120 | $145,714 | 14% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $136,860 | 60 | $135,828 | 18% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $136,700 | 90 | $149,166 | 10% |
| Fargo, ND | $136,610 | 240 | $150,334 | 10% |
| Yakima, WA | $136,570 | 120 | $142,938 | 12% |
| Boulder, CO | $136,540 | 270 | $129,788 | 19% |
| St. Louis, MO | $136,120 | 1,260 | $143,152 | 13% |
| Houma, LA | $135,960 | 60 | $159,759 | 11% |
| Roanoke, VA | $135,940 | 360 | $145,207 | 12% |
| Ogden, UT | $135,930 | 220 | $135,457 | 14% |
| Cleveland, OH | $135,860 | 750 | $144,650 | 13% |
| Duluth, MN | $135,860 | 200 | $153,051 | 12% |
| Janesville, WI | $135,830 | 60 | $144,958 | 11% |
| Kenosha, WI | $135,800 | 60 | $134,299 | – |
| Oshkosh, WI | $135,790 | 80 | $146,122 | 11% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $135,790 | 290 | $149,827 | 11% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $135,640 | 3,390 | $132,262 | 17% |
| Pueblo, CO | $135,640 | 70 | $147,817 | 12% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $135,630 | 120 | $138,039 | 17% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $135,600 | 70 | $135,161 | 19% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $135,340 | 40 | $153,839 | 9% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $135,310 | 810 | $134,130 | 17% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $135,240 | 110 | $137,589 | 16% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $135,200 | 440 | $134,251 | 16% |
| Carson City, NV | $135,180 | 50 | $137,756 | 18% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $135,040 | 1,220 | $139,307 | 14% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $135,010 | 50 | $146,578 | 14% |
| Missoula, MT | $134,990 | 90 | $139,966 | 14% |
| Kahului, HI | $134,960 | 50 | $123,372 | 29% |
| Dallas, TX | $134,900 | 3,230 | $130,857 | 15% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $134,860 | 60 | $134,533 | – |
| Boise, ID | $134,800 | 650 | $137,004 | 17% |
| Iowa City, IA | $134,770 | 230 | $147,275 | 16% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $134,660 | 650 | $134,371 | 15% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $134,650 | 3,050 | $130,328 | 15% |
| Austin, TX | $134,550 | 680 | $137,204 | 14% |
| Greeley, CO | $134,550 | 140 | $134,314 | 15% |
| Lafayette, LA | $134,550 | 100 | $154,285 | 12% |
| Reno, NV | $134,550 | 300 | $133,199 | 18% |
| Denver, CO | $134,540 | 1,650 | $127,186 | 17% |
| Provo, UT | $134,490 | 300 | $136,911 | 16% |
| Tulsa, OK | $134,380 | 350 | $150,627 | 12% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $134,360 | 150 | $144,986 | 13% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $134,360 | 90 | $142,915 | 12% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $134,300 | 220 | $146,013 | 13% |
| Racine, WI | $134,290 | 50 | $139,942 | 13% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $134,260 | – | $132,762 | 18% |
| Traverse City, MI | $134,180 | 170 | $143,705 | 17% |
| Omaha, NE | $134,130 | 720 | $145,935 | 13% |
| Waterbury, CT | $134,120 | 170 | $134,418 | – |
| Minot, ND | $134,090 | 40 | $154,077 | 11% |
| Shreveport, LA | $134,090 | 90 | $158,188 | 11% |
| Helena, MT | $134,030 | 70 | $140,089 | 15% |
| Madison, WI | $133,950 | 490 | $137,685 | 16% |
| Des Moines, IA | $133,830 | 340 | $145,942 | 11% |
| Springfield, IL | $133,750 | 50 | $144,213 | 11% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $133,540 | 130 | $134,690 | 18% |
| Tyler, TX | $133,460 | 130 | $144,820 | 12% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $133,450 | 70 | $153,987 | 10% |
| Kansas City, MO | $133,350 | 540 | $144,095 | 14% |
| Yuma, AZ | $133,290 | 30 | $143,777 | 13% |
| Peoria, IL | $133,170 | 110 | $145,970 | 10% |
| Charlotte, NC | $133,140 | 1,680 | $136,767 | 16% |
| Lafayette, IN | $133,060 | 50 | $142,417 | 13% |
| Syracuse, NY | $133,000 | 590 | $138,915 | 15% |
| Amarillo, TX | $132,990 | 240 | $144,838 | 12% |
| Beaumont, TX | $132,920 | 90 | $147,613 | 12% |
| Waterloo, IA | $132,880 | 60 | $152,636 | 9% |
| Great Falls, MT | $132,740 | 60 | $137,064 | 13% |
| Alexandria, LA | $132,710 | 50 | $154,879 | 9% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $132,700 | 100 | $139,882 | 13% |
| Durham, NC | $132,670 | 740 | $135,971 | 15% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $132,650 | 170 | $151,372 | 11% |
| Miami, FL | $132,360 | 2,190 | $115,948 | 24% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $132,350 | 1,100 | $133,036 | 15% |
| Naples, FL | $132,310 | 120 | $128,207 | 24% |
| Muskegon, MI | $132,230 | 110 | $142,922 | 12% |
| Columbia, MO | $132,220 | 140 | $147,834 | 13% |
| Lawton, OK | $132,220 | 30 | $153,850 | 10% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $131,950 | 700 | $137,885 | 14% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $131,930 | 940 | $138,080 | 15% |
| McAllen, TX | $131,870 | 400 | $153,525 | 10% |
| Detroit, MI | $131,830 | 2,400 | $131,438 | 14% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $131,770 | 130 | $149,169 | 17% |
| Beckley, WV | $131,750 | 100 | $149,091 | 9% |
| Toledo, OH | $131,730 | 280 | $144,038 | 12% |
| Green Bay, WI | $131,720 | 240 | $141,504 | 10% |
| The Villages, FL | $131,710 | 40 | $154,184 | 16% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $131,700 | 380 | $128,677 | 17% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $131,400 | 240 | $141,944 | 12% |
| Wilmington, NC | $131,270 | 270 | $136,141 | 16% |
| Asheville, NC | $131,260 | 460 | $136,012 | 16% |
| Portland, ME | $131,180 | 490 | $128,787 | 21% |
| Waco, TX | $131,000 | 90 | $141,545 | 13% |
| Akron, OH | $130,980 | 400 | $140,281 | 12% |
| Sioux City, IA | $130,970 | 70 | $151,491 | 12% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $130,870 | 70 | $144,542 | 11% |
| Louisville, KY | $130,830 | 380 | $140,566 | 12% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $130,810 | 180 | $143,192 | 14% |
| Rapid City, SD | $130,740 | 150 | $146,635 | 13% |
| Crestview, FL | $130,730 | 100 | $134,730 | 18% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $130,730 | 730 | $142,031 | 14% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $130,670 | 360 | $143,941 | 13% |
| Jackson, MI | $130,640 | 50 | $142,342 | 11% |
| Rochester, NY | $130,430 | 1,230 | $134,415 | 14% |
| Bangor, ME | $130,380 | 110 | $135,098 | 14% |
| Saginaw, MI | $130,270 | 120 | $143,326 | 10% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $130,240 | 810 | $129,119 | 15% |
| Reading, PA | $130,160 | 190 | $134,103 | 14% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $130,090 | 170 | $140,189 | 11% |
| Wausau, WI | $129,980 | 90 | $140,290 | 9% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $129,930 | 150 | $136,087 | 16% |
| Tucson, AZ | $129,880 | 290 | $134,041 | 14% |
| Midland, MI | $129,860 | 110 | $141,273 | 13% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $129,800 | 150 | $137,483 | 13% |
| Johnstown, PA | $129,800 | 80 | $151,055 | 8% |
| Topeka, KS | $129,800 | 60 | $146,138 | 12% |
| Allentown, PA | $129,680 | 560 | $129,722 | 17% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $129,680 | 80 | $145,768 | 11% |
| Bismarck, ND | $129,650 | 80 | $142,435 | 12% |
| South Bend, IN | $129,620 | 100 | $139,589 | 12% |
| Pocatello, ID | $129,480 | 80 | $145,637 | 10% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $129,460 | 50 | $137,580 | 14% |
| Odessa, TX | $129,380 | 40 | $137,791 | 15% |
| Springfield, MO | $129,270 | 300 | $145,928 | 12% |
| Dover, DE | $129,190 | 60 | $132,493 | 16% |
| Gainesville, FL | $129,150 | 240 | $133,512 | 15% |
| Nashville, TN | $129,050 | 750 | $133,955 | 17% |
| Charleston, SC | $128,920 | 620 | $127,692 | 19% |
| Watertown, NY | $128,870 | 60 | $146,961 | 14% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $128,780 | 50 | $143,867 | 12% |
| Staunton, VA | $128,580 | 60 | $141,098 | 14% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $128,520 | 920 | $134,759 | 14% |
| Niles, MI | $128,480 | 60 | $139,093 | 13% |
| State College, PA | $128,480 | 80 | $132,779 | 18% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $128,370 | 60 | $145,113 | 14% |
| Appleton, WI | $128,270 | 120 | $138,792 | 11% |
| Lansing, MI | $128,230 | 260 | $134,992 | 12% |
| Longview, TX | $128,180 | 70 | $143,242 | 11% |
| Morgantown, WV | $128,170 | 130 | $137,340 | 13% |
| Lincoln, NE | $128,050 | 290 | $139,822 | 12% |
| Chicago, IL | $127,940 | 3,050 | $123,500 | 20% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $127,820 | 60 | $127,152 | 17% |
| Tampa, FL | $127,820 | 1,420 | $126,692 | 19% |
| Rockford, IL | $127,800 | 60 | $138,681 | 12% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $127,790 | 50 | $132,437 | 14% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $127,730 | 50 | $129,325 | 18% |
| Casper, WY | $127,640 | 40 | $136,035 | 13% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $127,570 | 210 | $134,511 | 12% |
| Abilene, TX | $127,550 | 60 | $141,151 | 19% |
| Brownsville, TX | $127,370 | 200 | $148,148 | 14% |
| Logan, UT | $127,350 | 60 | $132,757 | 14% |
| Hickory, NC | $127,210 | 190 | $143,763 | 15% |
| Orlando, FL | $127,200 | 1,200 | $125,422 | 18% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $127,160 | 40 | $148,115 | 13% |
| Deltona, FL | $126,900 | 280 | $127,708 | 17% |
| Richmond, VA | $126,810 | 620 | $129,586 | 16% |
| Wheeling, WV | $126,770 | 50 | $143,530 | 8% |
| Charleston, WV | $126,620 | 190 | $142,723 | 11% |
| York, PA | $126,530 | 290 | $131,802 | 13% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $126,430 | 780 | $129,088 | 18% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $126,400 | 40 | $133,204 | 16% |
| Buffalo, NY | $126,360 | 1,040 | $131,839 | 14% |
| Lawrence, KS | $126,340 | 30 | $140,000 | 15% |
| Canton, OH | $126,290 | 130 | $141,255 | 11% |
| Scranton, PA | $126,230 | 310 | $134,925 | 13% |
| Monroe, LA | $126,190 | 50 | $150,950 | 11% |
| Winchester, VA | $126,080 | 100 | $130,721 | 17% |
| Dubuque, IA | $126,050 | 40 | $144,341 | 10% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $125,930 | 150 | $125,644 | 22% |
| Ocala, FL | $125,790 | 110 | $132,085 | 15% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $125,700 | 140 | $134,235 | 16% |
| Huntington, WV | $125,690 | 210 | $142,148 | 10% |
| Savannah, GA | $125,500 | 130 | $131,819 | 17% |
| Athens, GA | $125,460 | 160 | $134,408 | 17% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $125,410 | 180 | $133,530 | 14% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $125,350 | 80 | $127,886 | 19% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $125,290 | 60 | $143,902 | 10% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $125,230 | 2,560 | $132,279 | 14% |
| Sebastian, FL | $125,230 | 120 | $127,385 | 20% |
| Flint, MI | $125,190 | 280 | $134,564 | 10% |
| Lima, OH | $125,100 | 110 | $139,513 | 12% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $125,050 | 60 | $134,883 | 16% |
| Paducah, KY | $124,990 | 60 | $145,195 | 11% |
| Williamsport, PA | $124,920 | 150 | $135,268 | 10% |
| Texarkana, TX | $124,870 | 40 | $148,634 | 12% |
| Youngstown, OH | $124,610 | 150 | $142,584 | 10% |
| New Orleans, LA | $124,580 | 400 | $134,540 | 15% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $124,520 | 30 | $130,553 | 13% |
| Columbus, IN | $124,460 | 60 | $133,824 | 13% |
| Raleigh, NC | $124,300 | 1,220 | $126,634 | 16% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $124,190 | 170 | $124,184 | 18% |
| Panama City, FL | $124,170 | 80 | $127,621 | 17% |
| Laredo, TX | $124,120 | 80 | $142,739 | 11% |
| Lancaster, PA | $124,070 | 340 | $126,271 | 15% |
| Bloomington, IN | $123,860 | 60 | $130,264 | 17% |
| Evansville, IN | $123,410 | 120 | $134,833 | 11% |
| Greenville, SC | $123,310 | 440 | $132,222 | 15% |
| Altoona, PA | $123,270 | 190 | $137,721 | 10% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $123,110 | 580 | $124,795 | 14% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $122,800 | 130 | $137,417 | 13% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $122,720 | 30 | $143,147 | 12% |
| Macon, GA | $122,670 | 120 | $138,566 | 12% |
| Rome, GA | $122,440 | 50 | $135,802 | 12% |
| Albany, GA | $122,170 | 30 | $139,354 | 11% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $121,990 | 80 | $133,980 | 15% |
| Memphis, TN | $121,900 | 290 | $132,243 | 14% |
| Clarksville, TN | $121,710 | 80 | $133,825 | 13% |
| Wichita, KS | $121,640 | 240 | $136,757 | 12% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $121,600 | 180 | $132,948 | 15% |
| Lakeland, FL | $121,540 | 240 | $125,117 | 18% |
| Greensboro, NC | $120,540 | 420 | $129,801 | 14% |
| Florence, SC | $120,290 | 90 | $138,624 | 15% |
| Mansfield, OH | $120,290 | 60 | $135,352 | 9% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $120,030 | 70 | $126,825 | 13% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $119,840 | 70 | $139,531 | 11% |
| Pensacola, FL | $119,570 | 190 | $122,364 | 17% |
| Weirton, WV | $119,070 | 50 | $133,750 | 8% |
| Springfield, OH | $117,830 | 50 | $130,225 | 12% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $117,660 | 30 | $137,012 | 13% |
| Kingsport, TN | $117,490 | 130 | $135,910 | 14% |
| Augusta, GA | $117,240 | 350 | $127,569 | 15% |
| Columbus, GA | $117,030 | 80 | $131,059 | 14% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $116,930 | 50 | $132,857 | 13% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $116,300 | 60 | $126,296 | 16% |
| Columbia, SC | $115,840 | 400 | $123,679 | 16% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $115,530 | 50 | $123,605 | 18% |
| Burlington, NC | $113,200 | 50 | $121,464 | 14% |
| Daphne, AL | $112,610 | 40 | $118,925 | 18% |
| Lexington, KY | $112,230 | 300 | $120,822 | 17% |
| Atlanta, GA | $111,810 | 3,970 | $111,745 | 20% |
| Gainesville, GA | $111,440 | 70 | $115,164 | 18% |
| Erie, PA | $111,260 | 170 | $122,331 | 12% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $109,950 | 40 | $125,232 | 11% |
| Little Rock, AR | $109,110 | 340 | $122,096 | 14% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $108,420 | 50 | $123,721 | 14% |
| Knoxville, TN | $107,980 | 240 | $116,648 | 19% |
| Huntsville, AL | $107,230 | 110 | $115,212 | 16% |
| El Paso, TX | $107,220 | 170 | $119,250 | 17% |
| Gulfport, MS | $105,920 | 60 | $117,681 | 16% |
| Sebring, FL | $105,920 | 80 | $114,545 | 17% |
| Birmingham, AL | $105,440 | 280 | $115,054 | 16% |
| Mobile, AL | $104,960 | 140 | $119,140 | 15% |
| Jackson, TN | $104,600 | 60 | $122,308 | 16% |
| Dothan, AL | $103,890 | 40 | $123,925 | 14% |
| Morristown, TN | $103,350 | 30 | $119,668 | 18% |
| Montgomery, AL | $102,040 | 60 | $113,780 | 16% |
| Jackson, MS | $101,830 | 110 | $114,354 | 17% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $101,120 | 30 | $115,273 | 20% |
| Johnson City, TN | $100,060 | 130 | $113,798 | 18% |
| Anniston, AL | $98,130 | 30 | $114,172 | 12% |
What the median physician assistant salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $135,880 |
| Month | $11,323 |
| Every two weeks | $5,226 |
| Week | $2,613 |
| Hour | $65.33 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a physician assistant: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Master's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +21.1% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 11,500 |
| Self-employed | 1.4% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound tech | $96,590 | Associate's degree |
| Vet tech | $47,380 | Associate's degree |
| Speech-language pathologist | $97,870 | Master's degree |
| Nurse practitioner | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| Medical lab tech | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree |
| MRI tech | $95,480 | Associate's degree |
| CRNA | $236,590 | Master's degree |
| Radiology tech | $80,110 | Associate's degree |
Questions about physician assistant pay
How much does a physician assistant make an hour?
The median is $65.33 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $47.78 and the top 10% over $91.48.
How much does a physician assistant make a month?
About $11,323 a month before taxes at the median salary of $135,880, or $5,226 every two weeks.
What state pays physician assistants the most?
New Jersey, with a median of $165,690. California ($165,650), Washington ($164,360), Hawaii ($164,050) and New York ($160,880) follow.
Where do physician assistants make the most after cost of living?
Oklahoma: its median of $136,550 is worth $155,448 at typical US prices. Vermont, Washington and Iowa come next.
How much do entry-level physician assistants make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of physician assistants earn under $99,380 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $120,670, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a physician assistant?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a master's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 29-1071 (Physician Assistants). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.