Physician assistants in the US earn a median of $135,880 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $120,670 and $163,980, and the top 10% earn more than $190,280 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $136,000 to $164,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do physician assistants make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $99,380 |
| 25th | $120,670 |
| Median | $135,880 |
| 75th | $163,980 |
| 90th | $190,280 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Physician Assistants, national, about 162,150 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where physician assistants earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $165,690 | $192,370 |
| California | $165,650 | $206,990 |
| Washington | $164,360 | $177,930 |
| Hawaii | $164,050 | $170,060 |
| New York | $160,880 | $174,710 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a physician assistant?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $121,000–$136,000 | $143,000 |
| 3–5 years | $136,000–$164,000 | $172,000 |
| 6–10 years | $147,000–$173,000 | $182,000 |
| 10+ years | $164,000–$190,000 | $200,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives physician assistant pay?
Physician assistants (PAs) diagnose and treat patients and prescribe medication as part of a care team. Pay depends on specialty, setting and productivity models — and offers often include a sign-on bonus, CME funds and relocation that are easier to negotiate than base.
- Specialty: surgical and procedural specialties often pay differently from primary care.
- Pay model: straight salary, productivity (RVU) bonuses or both.
- Call, weekends and hospital coverage.
- CME allowance, license and DEA fees, malpractice coverage.
Your leverage as a physician assistant
- Specialty experience the practice needs to grow.
- Panel size or patient volume you can take on quickly.
- Procedural skills that bring in revenue.
- Willingness to cover hospital rounds, call or a second clinic.
- Credentialing that's already done in the employer's state.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Physician assistant objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “Our PAs all start at the same salary.” | “Then could we look at a productivity bonus, CME funds, or a 6-month review?” |
| “The RVU bonus will make up the difference.” | “What did PAs in this role actually earn in bonus last year?” |
| “We'll cover malpractice, so the base is lower.” | “Is that occurrence or claims-made coverage, with tail? I'd like to compare the full package.” |
| “You don't have experience in this specialty yet.” | “In [related specialty] I [result]; I'd like a base of [number] with a review after six months.” |
Sample counter offer for a physician assistant
Thank you — I'm excited about the role and the team. Based on the market data for PAs in [specialty] and my [number] years of experience, I'm asking for a base of [number], a CME allowance of [amount] and a sign-on bonus of [amount]. The national median for physician assistants is $135,880.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a physician assistant
If you're on a productivity model, bring your RVUs or patient volume. If not, bring the procedures and panel you added — and ask when compensation is reviewed.