Physician Assistant Salary Guide 2026: PA Pay by Specialty
Physician assistants continue to be among the most versatile and well-compensated healthcare professionals in 2026. With the ability to switch specialties without additional residency training, PAs enjoy career flexibility that few other medical professions can match.
PA Salary Overview for 2026
Physician assistants in 2026 earn between $100,000 and $140,000 nationally, with specialty and location driving the most significant variation. Surgical subspecialties and emergency medicine PAs typically earn at the top of this range.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New Graduate | 0-2 years | $95,000 – $110,000 |
| Mid-Career | 3-7 years | $110,000 – $130,000 |
| Senior | 8-15 years | $125,000 – $150,000 |
| Lead/Director | 15+ years | $140,000 – $175,000 |
Top 5 Highest-Paying States for PAs
| State | Average PA Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $148,000 |
| Washington | $140,000 |
| Connecticut | $138,000 |
| Alaska | $136,000 |
| New Jersey | $134,000 |
PA Salary by Specialty
Specialty choice dramatically impacts PA compensation. Surgical subspecialties including cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and neurosurgery pay the highest, often exceeding $150,000. Emergency medicine and dermatology PAs also earn above-average salaries. Primary care and pediatric PAs typically earn less but may enjoy more predictable schedules.
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Start Free TrialPA vs NP: Compensation Comparison
PAs and nurse practitioners compete for many of the same positions, and compensation is broadly similar. PAs tend to earn slightly more in surgical settings, while NPs may have an edge in primary care and psychiatric roles. Both professions benefit from strong demand and legislative expansion of practice authority.
PAs working in hospital settings collaborate closely with nursing staff. For nursing salary comparisons, NurseSend offers comprehensive data. To see how PA compensation compares to the physicians they work alongside, RecruitPhysician provides detailed physician salary guides.
Find PA Positions on HealthTal
Whether you are a new PA graduate or an experienced clinician looking to switch specialties, search the HealthTal database to find physician assistant positions with competitive compensation across every specialty and state.
The HealthTal team covers healthcare recruitment trends, healthcare workforce insights, and data-driven hiring strategies.