Physician Assistant Salary: What to Expect in 2023

## Understanding the Role and Compensation Before exploring salary specifics, it's important to understand that Physician Assistants (PAs) are medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as principal healthcare providers. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. For more detailed information on the role and responsibilities of a PA, you can visit the [American Academy of PAs](https://www.aapa.org/). ## Base Salary Overview According to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/), the median annual wage for Physician Assistants was $121,530 in 2021-2022. However, total compensation often exceeds these figures when including bonuses, profit sharing, and benefits packages. ### Factors Affecting Compensation Several key factors influence PA salaries: * Geographic location * Years of experience * Specialty area * Practice setting * Additional certifications * On-call requirements ## Regional Variations ### Highest-Paying States 1. California ($135,000 - $155,000) 2. New York ($125,000 - $145,000) 3. Massachusetts ($120,000 - $140,000) 4. Alaska ($118,000 - $138,000) 5. Connecticut ($115,000 - $135,000) ### Metropolitan vs. Rural Areas Urban areas typically offer higher base salaries, but rural positions often provide additional incentives: * Sign-on bonuses * Relocation assistance * Loan repayment programs * Housing allowances ## Specialty-Specific Salaries | Specialty | Salary Range | |-----------|--------------| | Emergency Medicine | $125,000 - $160,000 | | Cardiology | $120,000 - $155,000 | | Dermatology | $118,000 - $150,000 | | Neurosurgery | $115,000 - $145,000 | | Orthopedics | $110,000 - $140,000 | ## Experience-Based Compensation ### Entry-Level (0-2 years) Starting salaries typically range from $90,000 to $100,000 ### Mid-Career (3-7 years) Compensation increases to $105,000 - $130,000 ### Experienced (8+ years) Senior PAs can earn $130,000 - $160,000+ ## Benefits Packages Most employers offer comprehensive benefits including: * Health insurance * Dental and vision coverage * Retirement plans (401k/403b) * CME allowance * Professional liability insurance * Paid time off * Professional membership dues ## Future Outlook and Trends > The PA profession is projected to grow 31% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. - Bureau of Labor Statistics Several trends are likely to influence PA salaries: 1. Increased demand due to healthcare professional shortages 2. Telemedicine growth opening new opportunities 3. Legislative changes affecting reimbursement rates 4. Focus on value-based care 5. Emerging specialties ## Additional Income Sources Many PAs supplement their income through: * Overtime * Moonlighting * Teaching * Speaking engagements * Medical writing * Consulting ## Resources for Further Research For those interested in pursuing a career as a PA or seeking more information, consider these resources: * [Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)](https://paeaonline.org/) * [American Academy of PAs (AAPA)](https://www.aapa.org/) * [Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)](https://www.bls.gov/)

Physician Assistant Salary: What to Expect in 2023

Related articles