Choose from a wide range of CV templates and customize the design with a single click.
Use ATS-optimised CV and resume templates that pass applicant tracking systems. Our CV builder helps recruiters read, scan, and shortlist your CV faster.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CV
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CVIf you're researching physician assistant salary US, you're likely evaluating whether becoming a PA (Physician Assistant) is financially worth it—and how much you can realistically earn across different stages of your career.
Unlike physicians, PAs operate within structured compensation bands, but there is still meaningful upside depending on specialization, geography, and negotiation strategy.
This guide breaks down real US salary data, total compensation structures, and insider recruiter insights to show exactly how PA compensation works—and how top performers push beyond standard salary ranges.
Entry-level PA salary: $95,000 – $115,000
Mid-career PA salary: $115,000 – $145,000
Senior PA salary: $140,000 – $180,000
Top 10% (specialized/high-demand roles): $180,000 – $220,000+
Median salary: ~$130,000
Average salary: ~$135,000
New grads typically have limited negotiation leverage due to:
High supply of new PA graduates
Standardized hospital pay bands
Recruiter insight:
Most entry-level offers are tightly controlled. Salary increases come faster through job changes than internal raises.
At this stage, compensation improves through:
Increased clinical autonomy
Cardiothoracic Surgery: $150,000 – $200,000+
Emergency Medicine: $130,000 – $180,000
Dermatology: $140,000 – $190,000
Orthopedics: $135,000 – $180,000
Internal Medicine: $110,000 – $140,000
General Surgery: $120,000 – $150,000
Urgent Care: $120,000 – $160,000
Entry-level: $7,900 – $9,500
Mid-level: $9,500 – $12,000
Senior: $12,000 – $15,000+
Productivity bonuses
Specialty transitions
Senior PAs can command higher salaries due to:
Efficiency and patient throughput
Ability to handle complex cases
Leadership or supervisory roles
These roles include:
Team oversight
Operational responsibilities
Administrative leadership
Pediatrics: $100,000 – $130,000
Family Medicine: $105,000 – $135,000
Key insight:
Procedure-heavy specialties pay more because they directly generate revenue for healthcare systems.
Typically 85%–95% of total compensation
Most PAs are salaried employees with limited variable upside
Performance bonuses: $5,000 – $20,000
Signing bonuses: $5,000 – $25,000
Retention bonuses: $10,000+
Some roles also include:
Productivity-based incentives (RVUs)
Shift differentials (nights/weekends)
Health, dental, vision insurance
Retirement (401k + match)
PTO (3–5 weeks typical)
CME allowance ($1,000 – $3,000 annually)
Malpractice insurance
Rare for PAs, but possible in:
Private clinics
Dermatology or specialty practices
This is where top PAs can exceed typical salary caps.
California: $140,000 – $180,000
New York: $130,000 – $170,000
Washington: $135,000 – $175,000
Rural PAs often earn 10%–25% more
Urban roles offer better lifestyle and prestige
Recruiter insight:
Hospitals increase salaries in underserved regions to compete for talent.
High-revenue specialties = higher pay
Hospitals → stable pay, structured bands
Private practices → higher variability
Urgent care chains → higher hourly rates
Some PAs are compensated based on:
Patient volume
Procedures performed
RVUs
More experienced PAs:
Require less supervision
Increase practice efficiency
Generate higher value
PAs who switch jobs every 2–3 years often increase salary faster than those who stay.
Switching specialties can increase salary by $20K–$50K+.
Weak Example:
“I’m fine with the offer.”
Good Example:
“Based on market data, I’d like to explore a higher signing bonus or productivity incentives.”
Rural hospitals
Underserved areas
These often include:
Higher salaries
Loan repayment programs
Lead PA
Department supervisor
Adds $10K–$30K+ to base salary.
Night shifts, weekends, and overtime can significantly increase total earnings.
Unlike doctors, PAs:
Fall into strict HR salary bands
Have less individual negotiation flexibility
Are often benchmarked against internal equity
Staying in one role too long
Not switching specialties
Accepting initial offers without negotiation
Working in procedural specialties
Taking high-demand shifts
Strategic job changes
Continued demand due to physician shortages
Expanded PA scope of practice in some states
Increased use in outpatient and telehealth settings
Moderate but stable growth
Less upside than physicians
Strong job security
Most PAs earn between $110,000 and $150,000
High-demand specialties reach $160,000 – $200,000+
Top performers can exceed $200,000 with bonuses and specialization
Bottom line:
The PA profession offers strong, stable income with solid work-life balance—but maximizing earnings requires strategic specialization, smart job moves, and effective negotiation.
Upload CV
Import from Linkedin
