🩺 Physician Assistant (PA) Salary 2026
Career & SalaryJune 20269 min read
Physician assistants earn a median salary of $130,020/year ($62.51/hour) nationally in 2026, making the PA profession one of the most financially rewarding mid-level healthcare careers available. Total compensation ranges from about $105,000 for new PA graduates in primary care to $185,000+ for experienced surgical PAs in high-demand markets. This guide covers PA pay by specialty, state, and setting, plus the PA vs NP salary comparison and after-tax take-home calculations.
PA Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience — US National (2026)
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | $105,000/year · $50.48/hour |
| Mid-level (3–6 years) | $122,000/year · $58.65/hour |
| Experienced (7–12 years) | $145,000/year · $69.71/hour |
| Senior / specialist (12+ years) | $170,000/year · $81.73/hour |
| Median (all levels) | $130,020/year · $62.51/hour |
PA Salary After Tax (2026)
At the median PA salary of $130,020/year, a single filer in a no-state-tax state takes home approximately $96,800/year ($8,067/month) after federal income tax and FICA. State taxes significantly affect take-home — the difference between Texas and California at this salary is nearly $10,000/year.
After-Tax Take-Home — $130,020/Year, Single Filer (2026)
| No state tax (TX, FL, WA, NV…) | $96,800/year · $8,067/month |
| Colorado (4.4%) | $91,079/year · $7,590/month |
| New York (est. 9%) | $85,101/year · $7,092/month |
| California (est. 11%) | $83,302/year · $6,942/month |
Calculate your exact take-home: Use our
Salary Calculator — enter your PA salary and select your state for a full breakdown.
PA Salary by Specialty (2026)
Specialty is the single biggest driver of PA compensation beyond experience. Surgical and procedural specialties command significant premiums over primary care.
PA Median Total Compensation by Specialty — 2026
| Cardiovascular / thoracic surgery | $175,000–$190,000/year |
| Neurosurgery | $165,000–$180,000/year |
| Orthopedic surgery | $155,000–$175,000/year |
| Emergency medicine | $145,000–$165,000/year |
| Dermatology | $135,000–$155,000/year |
| Oncology | $130,000–$150,000/year |
| Hospital medicine (hospitalist) | $125,000–$145,000/year |
| Primary care / family medicine | $110,000–$130,000/year |
| Psychiatry / behavioral health | $115,000–$135,000/year |
PA Salary by State (2026)
Physician Assistant Median Salary by State — 2026
| Connecticut | $152,000/year |
| Washington | $148,000/year |
| Nevada | $145,000/year |
| California | $143,000/year |
| New Jersey | $141,000/year |
| Texas | $133,000/year |
| New York | $136,000/year |
| Florida | $124,000/year |
| Georgia | $121,000/year |
| Mississippi | $108,000/year |
PA vs NP Salary — Full Comparison (2026)
The PA vs NP salary debate is one of the most common questions in mid-level healthcare. The reality in 2026: compensation is close, but the distribution differs by specialty and setting.
PA vs NP Median Salary Comparison — 2026
| Physician Assistant (PA) — national median | $130,020/year |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) — national median | $126,000/year |
| PA advantage — surgical specialties | +$15,000–$30,000/year |
| NP advantage — primary care / psych | +$5,000–$15,000/year |
| Independent practice states (NP benefit) | Higher NP earnings in 26 states |
One key factor: NPs have full independent practice authority in 26 states as of 2026, while PAs still require physician supervision in most states. This allows NPs to open independent practices and cash-pay clinics — a meaningful earnings differentiator in some markets that the median comparison doesn't capture.
Job Outlook — 27% Growth
The BLS projects PA employment to grow 27% from 2022 to 2032 — among the fastest of any occupation in the US. Demand is driven by an aging population, physician shortages in primary care and rural areas, and expanded scope of practice in many states. Average annual openings are projected at 14,200 through 2032.
💡 PSLF for PAs: PAs working at hospitals, FQHCs, VA facilities, government clinics, or non-profit health systems qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. With PA program costs averaging $100,000–$160,000, PSLF can eliminate $60,000–$100,000 in remaining federal loan balances after 10 years of income-driven repayment payments — a meaningful benefit when comparing academic/government versus private practice opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average physician assistant salary in 2026? +
The median PA salary is $130,020/year ($62.51/hour) nationally in 2026. Total compensation ranges from about $105,000 for new graduates in primary care to $185,000+ for experienced surgical PAs in high-demand markets.
Which PA specialty pays the most? +
Cardiovascular/thoracic surgery PAs earn the most at $175,000–$190,000 in total compensation, followed by neurosurgery ($165,000–$180,000) and orthopedic surgery ($155,000–$175,000). Emergency medicine PAs also earn well, particularly with overnight and weekend shift differentials.
How does PA salary compare to NP salary? +
PAs average $130,020 versus NPs at approximately $126,000 nationally — a small gap. PAs earn more in surgical specialties; NPs earn more in some primary care and mental health settings, and can earn more in states where they have independent practice authority. The choice between PA and NP school should factor in specialty interest and desired practice style more than a $4,000 median salary difference.
Is physician assistant a good career financially? +
Yes. $130,020 median, 27% projected job growth, and strong career flexibility make PA an excellent financial choice. The main consideration is program cost ($100,000–$160,000) and the 6–7 year training timeline. PAs in qualifying public service positions should evaluate PSLF carefully — it can significantly change the financial picture of program debt.
How long does it take to become a PA? +
Becoming a PA typically takes 6–7 years: 4 years of college (often with required direct patient care experience) plus a 2–3 year accredited PA program (master's level). There is no residency requirement, though many PAs complete optional post-graduate residency programs in surgical or specialty fields. Most PAs begin attending salary around age 26–28 — significantly earlier than physicians.
✎ Editor's Note — June 2026
The PA profession in 2026 is at an interesting inflection point. The title change from "Physician Assistant" to "Physician Associate" is being adopted by some states and organizations to better reflect the collaborative (rather than subordinate) nature of the role. More practically, scope of practice expansion continues — several states moved toward increased PA autonomy in 2025–2026, which affects both clinical practice and earning potential. The highest-growth area for PA compensation is surgical subspecialties, particularly CV surgery and neurosurgery, where the shortage of qualified PAs is acute. For new PA graduates evaluating specialty choices, the surgical route requires additional training investment (fellowship or post-graduate program) but the compensation premium — often $40,000–$55,000 above primary care — makes it the highest-return path in the profession.