Physician assistants (PAs) in the US earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and specialty, with recent 2026 data showing averages around $113,000 to $145,000 annually.

Salary Overview

National figures provide a solid starting point for understanding PA compensation. PayScale reports an average base salary of $113,296 as of early 2026, reflecting data from thousands of professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted a median of $133,260 in May 2024, with projections for continued growth due to high demand. Marit Health's clinician- verified data points to a higher average of $145,209 per year in February 2026, likely influenced by full-time roles in metro areas.

By Experience Level

Earnings climb steadily with years on the job, rewarding expertise and specialization. Entry-level PAs (under 1 year) average around $99,787 total compensation, per PayScale's analysis of over 1,000 salaries. Early- career PAs (1-4 years) see about $109,370 , while new grads nationally hit $120,212 yearly ($57.79/hour), with ranges from $100,000 (25th percentile) to $135,500 (75th). Top earners, often in high-demand fields, exceed $157,500 at the 90th percentile.

Experience Level| Average Annual Salary| Source
---|---|---
Entry (<1 year)| $99,787| 1
Early Career (1-4 years)| $109,370| 1
New Grad (National Avg)| $120,212| 3
Median (2024 BLS)| $133,260| 7
Overall Avg (2026)| $113,296–$145,209| 15

Regional and Specialty Variations

Location dramatically impacts take-home pay due to cost of living and demand. PAs in high-cost areas like San Jose, CA, average $214,768 , nearly double the national figure. AAPA's 2025 report highlights state-specific customizations, with bonuses and benefits adding value—free for members to access personalized data. Specialties like critical care or correctional medicine push salaries toward $154,173 or $120,212 , respectively.

Recent trends show a 5.8% increase from prior years (not inflation- adjusted), with BLS forecasting 20% job growth through 2034—12,000 openings yearly. Forums like Reddit's r/physicianassistant buzz with high-earner stories, urging contributions to compensation threads for real-world insights.

Key Factors Influencing Pay

  • Demand Surge : Aging populations and physician shortages boost opportunities, especially in primary care and surgery.
  • Negotiation Power : Bonuses, overtime, and benefits (e.g., via AAPA reports) can add 10-20% to base pay.
  • Cost-of-Living Adjustments : Stateside averages hit $130,020 (BLS), but adjusted figures vary widely—top 10% over $170,790.

TL;DR : Expect $110K-$145K on average in 2026, higher with experience or in pricey locales—check AAPA for your specifics.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.