What is the average Physician Assistant salary in Houston?

The average Physician Assistant salary in Houston, TX is $114,000 in 2026. The 25th percentile is $99,000 and the 75th percentile is $134,000.

What is the demand outlook for Physician Assistants in Houston?

Demand for Physician Assistants in Houston remains strong. The compensation range of $99,000 to $134,000 reflects competitive hiring.

Should I relocate to Houston for a Physician Assistant role?

Houston's cost of living is below the national average. Calculate take home pay after housing and taxes before relocating for a Physician Assistant role.

What certifications help Physician Assistants earn more in Houston?

Certifications add 5 to 15% to Physician Assistant salaries in Houston. They help bridge the gap between the median of $114,000 and the 75th percentile of $134,000.

Physician Assistant.

Houston.

$114,000

median salary, 3% below the national average

$99,000 to $134,000. Updated for 2026.

Get your playbook

The numbers.

Everything you need to negotiate with confidence.

If you are evaluating a Physician Assistant offer in Houston, TX, here is the reality: $99,000 to $134,000, with $114,000 as the midpoint. 3% below the national average. Surgical subspecialties and emergency medicine pay the highest PA salaries, often 20 to 30% above primary care. Do not accept the first number.

Salary range

25th Percentile

$99,000

per year

Median

$114,000

per year

75th Percentile

$134,000

per year

Tap to place your salary

$99,000$134,000

How Houston compares

Houston, TX

$114,000

Cost of living: 3% below average

National Average

$118,000

Houston is $4,000 below

What you should know

The Physician Assistant landscape in Houston is not what most salary sites will tell you. Houston's economy is deeply rooted in energy, with a growing presence in healthcare, aerospace, and technology. The Texas Medical Center is the world's largest, driving massive demand for clinical and research roles. Houston's low cost of living and no state income tax make it an attractive destination for professionals seeking strong purchasing power. 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. In Houston, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.

Base salary is not the full picture. 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. And on the tax side: texas has no state income tax, giving Houston workers strong take home pay. The city's overall cost of living is below the national average, further stretching your salary. When someone quotes you $114,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.

On negotiation: Emphasize industry specialization in energy or healthcare. Houston employers pay significant premiums for domain expertise in these sectors over generalist candidates. The range for Physician Assistants in Houston runs from $99,000 to $134,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.

Top industries in Houston

Energy & Oil/GasHealthcareAerospace & NASAManufacturingTechnology

Negotiating in Houston

Emphasize industry specialization in energy or healthcare. Houston employers pay significant premiums for domain expertise in these sectors over generalist candidates.

Common questions.

Surgical PAs earn 20 to 30% more than primary care PAs on average. Orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery PAs often exceed $140,000, while family medicine PAs typically fall in the $105,000 to $120,000 range.

Many PAs receive productivity bonuses tied to relative value units or patient encounters. These bonuses can add $5,000 to $20,000 annually, particularly in high-volume practices where PAs manage their own patient panels independently.

In 2026, the average Physician Assistant salary in Houston, TX is $114,000. The 25th percentile sits at $99,000 and the 75th percentile reaches $134,000. Where you land depends on your experience, the company's size, and the specific skills you bring.

Houston's economy is deeply rooted in energy, with a growing presence in healthcare, aerospace, and technology. The Texas Medical Center is the world's largest, driving massive demand for clinical and research roles. For Physician Assistants specifically, surgical subspecialties and emergency medicine pay the highest pa salaries, often 20 to 30% above primary care, which signals sustained demand. The current compensation range of $99,000 to $134,000 reflects a market that is competing for talent.

Houston's cost of living is near the national average. Houston's economy is deeply rooted in energy, with a growing presence in healthcare, aerospace, and technology. Calculate your actual take home pay after housing, taxes, and transportation before deciding. A $114,000 salary here buys a different lifestyle than the same number in another market.

Relevant certifications can add 5 to 15% to a Physician Assistant's base salary in Houston. Specifically, surgical subspecialties and emergency medicine pay the highest pa salaries, often 20 to 30% above primary care. In a market where the range spans $99,000 to $134,000, certifications often bridge the gap between the 50th and 75th percentile.