Physician assistants (PAs) are an integral part of the healthcare system, providing many of the same services as physicians. While their specific scope of practice varies based on individual state regulations, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) states that physician assistants (PAs) can generally diagnose illnesses, create and manage treatment plans, and prescribe medication. With the flexibility to practice in any medical setting or specialty, physician assistants play a critical role in the delivery of high quality patient care. PA compensation varies depending on their specialization—read on to learn more about the top 10 highest paid PA specialties.
How Much Do Physician Assistants Make in the US?
In the United States, the average annual salary for PAs is $126,010, as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, PAs can earn up to $134,000 annually, according to Medscape’s 2023 physician assistant compensation report.
Highest Paid Physician Assistant Specialties
Many physician assistants report that their authority is often questioned out of a misunderstanding of their responsibilities. Some patients assume that a PA is merely an assistant with no authority to take care of a patient without physician intervention.
While the scope of practice for PAs depends on the state—and no PA can legally operate with complete independence of a physician long-term—PAs can do much more than the average patient might suspect. Drawing attention to the fact that you are a trusted medical professional with many of the same privileges and responsibilities as a physician can be one route for anxious patients who mistakenly think they won’t be able to get the treatment they need from a PA.
1. Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery
Both PA-Cs and doctors have the authority to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medication, order medical tests and interpret results, create treatment plans, and perform medical procedures, although this might be limited depending on which state a PA-C works in.
The AAPA reports the average dermatology PA earned $145,000 in total compensation in 2022. The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants states that dermatology PAs are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a broad variety of conditions. Dermatology PAs play an important role in the healthcare system by diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions, which can improve the quality of life for their patients.
2. Dermatology
The AAPA reports the average dermatology PA earned $145,000 in total compensation in 2022. The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants states that dermatology PAs are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a broad variety of conditions. Dermatology PAs play an important role in the healthcare system by diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin conditions, which can improve the quality of life for their patients.
3. Emergency Medicine
The AAPA states the average emergency medicine PA earned $133,990 in total compensation in 2022. According to the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs, these crucial providers deliver emergency care for patients in a variety of settings, such as emergency departments, critical care units, urgent care centers, observation units, and more. Their specialized training and expertise in critical care enable them to deliver life-saving interventions in emergencies, significantly enhancing patient outcomes.
4. Occupational Medicine
The AAPA reports the average occupational medicine PA earned $133,120 in total compensation in 2022. The Association of PAs in Occupational Medicine states that occupational medicine PAs provide treatment for occupational injuries and illnesses, conduct preventive examinations, administer DOT exams, facilitate health management activities, and more.
5. Critical Care
The average critical care PA earned $133,000 in total compensation in 2022, according to the AAPA. Critical care PAs are highly skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in providing intensive medical care to critically ill patients in various settings, including hospitals, intensive care units (ICUs), and trauma centers. They play a vital role in advocating for patient needs and delivering high-quality healthcare services.
6. Psychiatry
According to the AAPA, the average psychiatry PA earned $130,000 in total compensation in 2022. Psychiatry PAs provide mental health services to patients of all ages and assess their mental health needs through a review of medical and personal histories.
7. Surgical Subspecialties
The AAPA reports the average surgical subspecialties PA earned $130,000 in total compensation in 2022. Surgical subspecialty physician assistants are unique in that they can deliver care to patients in surgical environments anywhere in which they work under the authority of an overseeing surgeon. They deliver care imperative to patients in a surgical environment.
8. Neurosurgery
The AAPA states the average neurosurgery PA earned $129,000 in total compensation in 2022. According to the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants, neurosurgery PAs participate in various aspects of pre-surgery, during surgery, and post-surgery care. Their tasks include taking patient histories, collaborating on treatment plans, assisting as the primary assistant during surgeries, and managing post-operative care. Additionally, PAs perform a wide range of administrative duties related to the neurosurgical practice.
9. Urgent Care
The AAPA reports the average urgent care PA earned $128,980 in total compensation in 2022. Their role involves reviewing patients’ medical histories, carrying out physical examinations, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests like X-rays and blood work to ascertain the cause of a patient’s ailment or injury.
10. Orthopaedic Surgery
The AAPA reports the average orthopaedic surgery PA earned $128,000 in total compensation in 2022. According to Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery, their responsibilities include conducting patient history and examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications and therapies, and assisting in surgical procedures as needed.
How to Pursue a PA Specialty
According to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, physician assistants who wish to specialize in a specific area often need additional training. To practice in a specialty, PAs usually need to complete a fellowship or residency. It’s important to note that additional training requirements, certifications, roles, responsibilities, and even compensation can differ based on the specialty.
By pursuing additional training, PAs not only expand their professional horizons but also position themselves for career advancement and increased earning potential. They become valuable assets to healthcare organizations, contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery.
Become a Locum Tenens PA
As a locum tenens physician assistant, you’ll work in different locations across the country in facilities that are experiencing staff shortages. You’ll take on temporary assignments to ensure that patients continue to receive the highest quality care. Contact our team today or browse our job board to see our current list of available openings.
