State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Physician Assistant Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
The median pay for Physician Assistants is $135,880 a year ($65.33/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 20.4% through 2034, with about 12,000 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
SOC 29-1071Healthcare Practitioners and TechnicalLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $135,880
- Projected growth
- +20.4%
- Openings a year
- 12,000
- Typical education
- Master's
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Cardiology Physician Assistant, Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (Emergency Medicine PA), Family Practice Physician Assistant, Orthopaedic Physician Assistant, Orthopedic Physician Assistant.
How much do Physician Assistants make?
10th percentile$99,380
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$120,670
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$135,880
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$163,980
Upper quartile
90th percentile$190,280
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $135,880 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $65.33/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $141,280 |
| People employed | 162,150 |
Versus all US occupations
At $135,880, Physician Assistants earn 167% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $84,900 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Inside the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $97,870, this is 39% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $190,280 or more while the bottom 10% earn $99,380, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 93% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
New Jersey posts the highest raw median ($165,690), but once local prices are taken into account Oklahoma leads at $155,448 in national-average dollars.
Which states pay Physician Assistants the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $165,690 | $152,282 | 4,790 |
| California | $165,650 | $149,612 | 13,600 |
| Washington | $164,360 | $153,589 | 3,540 |
| Hawaii | $164,050 | $149,203 | 530 |
| New York | $160,880 | $149,072 | 19,140 |
| Oregon | $155,780 | $150,714 | 2,250 |
| New Hampshire | $150,960 | $144,924 | 1,060 |
| Alaska | $150,700 | $147,227 | 700 |
| Vermont | $150,490 | $153,627 | 410 |
| Massachusetts | $142,410 | $134,658 | 4,470 |
Is Physician Assistant a growing career?
Physician Assistants20.4%
All US occupations3.1%
+20.4% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Physician Assistants to change 20.4% over 2024–2034, roughly 6.6× the 3.1% projected for all occupations. That is 33,200 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 12,000 openings are projected each year, 7.4% of the 162,700 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
A rise in the number of older people, who are more likely than young people to require medical care, and of patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, will increase healthcare demand. These increases, in turn, drive the need for healthcare providers such as physician assistants (PAs), who can provide many of the same services as physicians.
PAs are expected to continue to expand their role in providing healthcare services. This is largely because they can be trained more quickly than physicians, and team-based healthcare provision models will continue to evolve and become more common.
How to become a Physician Assistant
Becoming a physician assistant means completing a master's-level program accredited by ARC-PA, passing the PANCE to earn NCCPA board certification and the PA-C designation, then obtaining a state license. All 50 states, DC and the territories rely on NCCPA certification as a criterion for licensure.
The credential path, step by step
- Earn a bachelor's degree and build direct patient-care experience4 years
Most programs require undergraduate coursework with a science focus, and many require prior hands-on patient-care experience, for example as a medical assistant, EMT or paramedic. This experience requirement is a real filter, not a nice-to-have.
- Complete an ARC-PA-accredited PA programAt least 2 years
Usually at least two years of postbaccalaureate study at master's level, with supervised clinical training across several specialties. Accreditation by ARC-PA is what makes you eligible for PANCE.
- Pass PANCE and claim the PA-C designation
Apply through your NCCPA account after your program notifies NCCPA of your graduation date. You have six years and six attempts; exhaust either and the only route back is completing an entire accredited PA program again.
- Obtain a state license
Every state and DC licenses PAs. In most states you will also need an agreement with a supervising or collaborating physician before you can practice.
- Maintain certification across a 10-year cycle
Log 100 CME credits every two years and pay the maintenance fee, then pass PANRE or PANRE-LA by the end of the 10th year. Both exam options cover the same blueprint, so the choice is about format, not content.
Exams you have to pass
Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
Five blocks of 60 questions across five hours of testing time, assessing the clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and professional behaviors expected for entry-level PA practice. Applications open 180 days before your expected program completion date and the earliest test date is seven days after completion. Eligibility is capped: six years and six attempts from graduation, whichever comes first.
Administered by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination (PANRE)
The traditional recertification exam, taken in one sitting at a Pearson VUE test center. You are eligible in the 9th or 10th year of the certification maintenance cycle, with a maximum of four attempts across those two years.
Administered by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam-Longitudinal Assessment (PANRE-LA)
A permanent alternative to PANRE, built on the same content blueprint and carrying the same fee. It is taken longitudinally rather than in a single sitting. Either option satisfies the recertification exam requirement, and both must be combined with the CME requirement.
Administered by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
- Program accreditation
ARC-PA · Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
Only graduates of an entry-level PA program accredited by ARC-PA are eligible to apply for PANCE. Graduates count as having graduated from an accredited program if the program was accredited at the time they matriculated.
- How long the training takes
At least 2 years of postbaccalaureate study
Programs combine classroom and laboratory instruction in subjects such as human anatomy, clinical medicine and pharmacology with supervised clinical rotations in specialties including family medicine, internal medicine and emergency medicine.
- Continuing education
Required to stay credentialed
NCCPA certification maintenance runs on a 10-year cycle made up of five two-year cycles. In each two-year cycle a board certified PA must earn and log 100 CME credits and pay a certification maintenance fee. On top of that, PANRE or PANRE-LA must be passed by the end of the 10th year. State license renewal requirements are set separately by each state.
Licensing and state variation
Licensed state by state
The certification half of the path is uniform: every state, DC, the territories and the military rely on NCCPA certification. What varies is the practice relationship. In most states, law requires a PA to hold an agreement with a supervising physician; the physician need not be on site at all times, but the terms of collaboration are set by state law, as are license renewal requirements.
Who governs the credential
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) — The national certifying body. It administers PANCE and the recertification exams, and grants and maintains the legally protected PA-C and Physician Assistant-Certified marks.
Credential detail for physician assistants is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician Assistants (How to Become One) · checked August 23, 2026
- NCCPA, Become Certified · checked August 23, 2026
- NCCPA, Maintain Certification · checked August 23, 2026
- ARC-PA, arc-pa.org · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Physician assistants typically need a master’s degree from an accredited educational program. Applicants to these programs typically have a bachelor's degree and experience caring directly for patients. All states require physician assistants to be licensed.
| Typical entry-level education | Master's degree |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Considerable preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as physician assistants.
- Master's Degree81.1%
- First Professional Degree13.5%
- Bachelor's Degree5.4%
What does a Physician Assistant do?
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.
Day-to-day tasks
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most physician assistants work full time. Work schedules vary and may include nights, weekends, or holidays. Physician assistants also may be on call, meaning that they must be ready to respond to a work request with little notice.
Where the work happens
- Indoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day
Working with people
- Constant contact with other people
- Face-to-face discussions every day
- Dealing with customers or the public is very important
Pressure and stakes
- Meeting strict deadlines at least weekly
- Handling conflict situations at least monthly
- Mistakes carry very serious consequences
Autonomy
- A lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Where physician assistants work
| Offices of physicians | 52% |
|---|---|
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 26% |
| Outpatient care centers | 8% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 3% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 3% |
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
- Monitoring3.9/5
- Science3.6/5
Transferable skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Service Orientation4.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9/5
- Coordination3.3/5
- Persuasion3.3/5
- Systems Evaluation3.3/5
- Time Management3.3/5
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Medical software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Internet browser software
- Storage media loading software
- Video conferencing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits a Physician Assistant?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realistic4.0
Investigativeprimary4.9
Artistic1.2
Socialprimary5.9
Enterprising2.0
Conventionalprimary4.5
Day to day this is work built around teaching, helping and working directly with other people, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Physician Assistant: frequently asked questions
How much do Physician Assistants make?
Physician Assistants earn a median of $135,880 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 167% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $65.33/hr. The middle half earn between $120,670 and $163,980. The top 10% earn $190,280 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Physician Assistant?
Yes. BLS reports a master's degree as the typical entry-level education for Physician Assistants, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 81.1% hold master's degree.
Is Physician Assistant a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 20.4% over 2024–2034, more than double the 3.1% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 12,000 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Physician Assistant do?
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician. A core O*NET task: make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Medical software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Physician Assistants the most?
The highest state medians for Physician Assistants are New Jersey ($165,690), California ($165,650), Washington ($164,360) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Oklahoma moves to the top at $155,448.
What personality type suits a Physician Assistant?
O*NET scores Physician Assistants highest on the Social, Investigative and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes teaching, helping and working directly with other people with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISFJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant?
At least 2 years of postbaccalaureate study. Programs combine classroom and laboratory instruction in subjects such as human anatomy, clinical medicine and pharmacology with supervised clinical rotations in specialties including family medicine, internal medicine and emergency medicine.
Do you need a license to work as a Physician Assistant?
Yes, and it is issued by the state you work in, not nationally. The certification half of the path is uniform: every state, DC, the territories and the military rely on NCCPA certification. What varies is the practice relationship. In most states, law requires a PA to hold an agreement with a supervising physician; the physician need not be on site at all times, but the terms of collaboration are set by state law, as are license renewal requirements.
What exams do you have to pass to become a Physician Assistant?
The PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination), the PANRE (Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination), the PANRE-LA (Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam-Longitudinal Assessment). Five blocks of 60 questions across five hours of testing time, assessing the clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning and professional behaviors expected for entry-level PA practice. Applications open 180 days before your expected program completion date and the earliest test date is seven days after completion. Eligibility is capped: six years and six attempts from graduation, whichever comes first.