A physician assistant (PA) in the U.S. typically makes around 110k–130k per year on average , with many experienced PAs clearing well into the 130k+ range depending on specialty and location.

Quick Scoop: PA Pay in 2026

  • National average salary is about 113k per year in 2026, according to PayScale.
  • Broader datasets (BLS and profession-specific reports) put the overall average closer to 130k per year (about 62.50/hr) , with the top 10% over 170k and the lowest 10% under 90k.
  • Real-world clinician-report platforms show total comp around the mid‑140k range for many practicing PAs today.

So the realistic modern range for a full‑time PA is roughly:

  • Low end: 85k–100k (new grads, lower‑paying regions).
  • Middle: 110k–135k (most general practice and hospital roles).
  • High end: 140k–175k+ (high‑demand specialties, high‑cost states, extra shifts).

Where you work matters (a lot)

High‑pay states (examples):

  • Washington: about 145k/year mean.
  • California: about 145k/year mean.
  • Alaska, Connecticut, Nevada: around 140k+.

Lower‑pay states:

  • Alabama: about 94k/year mean.
  • Mississippi: about 77k/year mean.
  • Arkansas: about 68k/year mean.

These differences mainly track cost of living, local demand, and healthcare infrastructure.

Experience and specialty

Using one major salary tracker as a snapshot:

  • New grad (0–1 year): around 100k.
  • Early career (1–4 years): around 110k+.
  • Mid‑career and up: commonly 120k–150k+, especially in surgery, emergency medicine, and certain subspecialties.

Platforms that collect anonymous PA salaries show orthopedic surgery, EM and some hospitalist roles posting offers in the 130k–150k+ band for 40 hr/week jobs, sometimes more with call or overtime.

Hourly view (if you like thinking in hours)

From national data:

  • Average PA hourly: about 62.50/hr.
  • Bottom 10%: roughly low‑40s/hr.
  • Top 10%: over 80/hr.

Many salaried PAs also get bonuses, CME money, retirement match, and sometimes profit‑sharing , which can push total compensation above the base number.

Simple example

Think of a PA in a high‑pay state like Washington making about 145k/year.

That’s roughly:

  • 145k ÷ 52 ≈ 2,790 per week ,
  • For ~40 hrs/week, that’s about 70/hr , right in line with that state’s mean hourly of just under 70/hr.

If you tell me your state, setting (outpatient, surgery, hospital, etc.), and experience level, I can narrow this down to a more tailored estimate.

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