Physician Assistant Salary by Specialty: Which PA Specialties Pay the Most?

Aspiring physician assistants (PAs) are often drawn to this career path because of its potential for stability, job security, and earning potential. However, not all PA specialties pay the same, and this can be a big consideration when deciding which field to pursue. The following is a detailed overview of physician assistant salary by specialty, including some of the highest-paying fields available.

What is a Physician Assistant?

A physician assistant (PA) treats, examines, and diagnoses patients under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. They work in teams with other healthcare professionals across various medical specialties. Their daily tasks vary by specialty; for instance, surgical PAs handle pre and postoperative care, while pediatric PAs vaccinate, examine, and diagnose children.

In some rural areas, PAs care for entire communities. As technology advances and the population ages, the role of PAs is becoming more important, leading to a growing demand for their services.

Physician Assistant Specialties

Physicians can excel in almost any medical specialty, and physician assistants also have diverse roles across various specialties and subspecialties. PAs can specialize in multiple areas throughout their careers, which is a significant advantage of the job. Common specialty areas for PAs include:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Emergency medicine
• Surgery
• Anesthesia
• General practice
• Internal medicine
• Radiology
• Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
• Family medicine
• ENT/Otolaryngology

How Much Do Physician Assistants Make in the U.S.?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median salary of a physician assistant is $130,020.

The Highest-Paying PA Specialties

Here are the physician assistant specialties that pay the most to help guide your career decisions. Note that the range varies dramatically based on factors like geographic location, level of experience, and institution (hospital vs. private practice).

1. Emergency Medicine PA: $187,405
2. Hematology Oncology PA: $183,962
3. Cardiology PA: $180,001
4. Orthopedic Surgery PA: $178,546
5. Occupational Medicine PA: $173,975
6. Neurosurgery PA: $172,042
7. Rheumatology PA: $156,966
8. Critical Care PA: $156,264
9. Cardiothoracic Surgery PA: $156,057
10. Urology PA: $155,445
11. Pediatric PA: $148,456
12. Acute Care/Trauma Surgery PA: $143,629
13. Radiology PA: $133,670
14. Urgent Care PA: $131,746
15. Dermatology PA: $128,951
16. Gastroenterology PA: $128,847
17. Psychiatric PA-Certified: $128,673
18. OB-GYN/Gynecologist PA: $120,212
19. Plastic Surgery PA: $118,539
20. ENT/Otolaryngologist PA: $116,182

Bonus: How to Become a Physician Assistant

The Traditional Route to PA

1. Complete a Bachelor's degree: Choose a major such as biology, health sciences, or a related field that includes prerequisite courses needed for PA programs. Ensure to take essential courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and biology.
2. Gain healthcare experience: Accumulate hands-on experience in healthcare settings. Roles such as medical assistant, EMT, paramedic, nurse, or medical scribe are valuable. Most PA programs require a minimum number of patient care hours, which can range from 500 to 2000 hours.
3. Take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Study for and take the GRE if it is required by the PA programs you are applying to. Not all programs require the GRE, so check specific program requirements. Aim for scores that meet or exceed the average for admitted students in your target programs.
4. Apply to accredited PA programs: Identify programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PACA). Use the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) to apply to multiple programs. Ensure you meet all application deadlines and requirements. Prepare a compelling personal statement and secure strong letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals or professors.
5. Complete a PA Program: Enroll in a PA program that typically lasts 2-3 years and includes coursework and clinical rotations. Gain diverse clinical experience in areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.
6. Pass the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam): Study and review material covered during your PA program. Successfully pass the PANCE to become a certified Physician Assistant. This test is about five hours long and includes around 300 questions.
7. Obtain state licensure: Apply for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. Meet the specific requirements for licensure, which may include background checks, additional exams, or other state-specific criteria. The AAPA website provides a list of state licensing boards. To maintain national certification, you must complete continuing medical education hours as required by your state.
8. Begin practicing as a Physician Assistant: Search for job opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Stay current with continuing medical education (CME) requirements to maintain certification and licensure.

Physician Assistant Salary FAQs

What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant?

• The average salary for a Physician Assistant varies based on location, specialty, and experience. Generally, it ranges from $95,000 to $125,000 annually.

What type of physician assistant gets paid the most?

• The highest-paying PA specialty is Emergency Medicine. The median salary for this specialty is $187,405, followed by Oncology ($183,962) and Cardiology ($180,001).

What is the lowest paying medical specialty?

• The PA specialty that pays the least is adolescent medicine with a median annual salary of $90,588.

What is the most common PA specialty?

• The most common PA specialties are emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, and dermatology. These fields offer PAs diverse and dynamic roles, allowing them to work in fast-paced environments, assist in surgical procedures, and provide specialized skin care.

What state pays the most for Physician Assistants?

• Washington state pays the highest salaries for Physician Assistants (PAs) at $145,390. The competitive wages are driven by the state's high demand for healthcare professionals and cost of living.