Physician Assistants (PAs) are medical providers who diagnose illnesses, develop and carry out treatment plans, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and assist in surgeries. Their job responsibilities are very similar to those of doctors or general internists. PAs continue to rank as one of the Best Health Care Jobs according to U.S. News & World Report.
The main difference between an M.D. and a PA is that a physician assistant must practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. PAs earn master’s degrees from accredited programs that typically take about 26 months to complete, including coursework and supervised clinical work.
How Much Do Physician Assistants Make?
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for physician assistants is now approximately $121,530 per year. Salary ranges vary, with entry-level PAs earning around $100,000 and top earners making over $135,000 annually. The job outlook for PAs is exceptionally strong, with projections indicating growth of over 30% in the coming decade. This rapid growth is largely due to the nationwide shortage of physicians, the cost-effectiveness of PA services, and the relatively shorter training period compared to that of physicians.
What Are the Highest Paid Physician Assistant Salaries (Specializations)?
Like physicians, PAs have the option to specialize in various fields, and some specialties command higher salaries. Based on the latest industry data and reports, here are some of the highest-paid PA specialties:
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
Physician assistants in this specialty work with cardiothoracic surgeons to manage patients undergoing heart, lung, or esophageal procedures. They assist throughout the surgical process, with a median salary now averaging around $130,000 per year. Most PAs in this field work in hospitals (approximately 82%), with a smaller percentage employed in private practices.
Dermatology
Dermatology PAs diagnose and treat conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails, performing both medical and surgical procedures. Current data shows that dermatology PAs earn a median salary of about $120,000 per year, with the vast majority working in office-based private practices.
Emergency Medicine
PAs in emergency medicine treat patients in emergency departments, urgent care centers, or critical care units. They manage both acute and chronic conditions, with a median salary updated to approximately $120,000 per year, making this one of the higher-paying specialties.
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery PAs assist neurosurgeons with patient histories, physical exams, and during surgical procedures. The median salary for neurosurgery PAs is now around $120,000 per year, with most working in hospitals or office-based practices.
Pathology
In pathology, PAs assist with analyzing laboratory specimens and preparing pathology reports. Their role is critical in diagnosing diseases, and their median salary has risen to about $122,000 per year.
Pain Medicine
PAs specializing in pain medicine help diagnose, manage, and treat patients with pain-related conditions. They conduct physical exams, interpret diagnostic tests, and coordinate patient care, earning a median salary of roughly $120,000 per year.
Psychiatry
Psychiatric PAs diagnose and treat mental health conditions, working primarily in office-based private practices or behavioral health facilities. Their median salary is also around $120,000 per year.
Surgical Subspecialties
This category includes specialties such as gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatric plastic surgery, urology, and vascular surgery. PAs in these fields assist with diagnostic exams, patient care, and pre-/post-surgical support, earning a median salary of approximately $120,000 per year.
Admissions and Guidance for Aspiring PAs
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