Physician Assistant Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$118,000
national median salary
$102,000 to $138,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$159,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$123,000
Seattle, WA
Lowest Paying
$90,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Physician Assistant salary in the United States is $118,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $102,000 at the 25th percentile to $138,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $159,000, while Seattle offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Surgical subspecialties and emergency medicine pay the highest PA salaries, often 20 to 30% above primary care.
Physician Assistant salary by city
Skills that increase Physician Assistant pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Physician Assistants based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $16,520 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$16,520 per year
≈ +$15,340 per year
≈ +$14,160 per year
≈ +$12,980 per year
≈ +$12,980 per year
≈ +$11,800 per year
≈ +$11,800 per year
≈ +$10,620 per year
What you should know
Surgical subspecialties and emergency medicine pay the highest PA salaries, often 20 to 30% above primary care. Geographic location matters significantly, with rural and underserved areas offering premium pay to attract talent. Experience in procedural skills and first-assist certification further boost compensation.
Entry-level PAs earn $95,000 to $105,000 in their first role. Mid-career PAs with specialty experience reach $120,000 to $135,000. Senior PAs in surgical specialties or leadership positions can command $145,000 to $165,000 with additional administrative responsibilities.
PAs commonly receive productivity bonuses, CME allowances of $2,000 to $5,000 annually, malpractice insurance, and relocation assistance. Hospital systems often add shift differentials for nights, weekends, and call coverage.