Physician Assistant pay
What physician assistants earn — and keep — in 2026
Physician assistants (PAs) examine, diagnose and treat patients in collaboration with physicians across surgery, emergency, primary care and specialty settings. The BLS puts the median physician assistant at $133,260 (May 2024), with the top 10% above $176,000. A master's degree plus licensure is required, and surgical, dermatology and emergency-medicine PAs tend to earn the most.
Where a physician assistant's paycheck goes
On the $133,260 median, a single PA sits in the 24% federal bracket after the standard deduction, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare. Hospital and group-practice PAs usually have a 401(k) or 403(b); contributions there go in the pre-tax field and lower your federal taxable income.
The highest-paying states for physician assistants
Wages run highest in Connecticut, California, Nevada, Washington and Alaska. California and Connecticut pay well but tax heavily, so a strong PA role in no-tax Texas or Washington can leave you with more take-home.
Compare physician assistant pay with other careers
See how a PA compares with a doctor, a registered nurse or a pharmacist.
Questions
Physician Assistant Salary Calculator FAQ
How much does a physician assistant make in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $133,260 for physician assistants (May 2024). The top 10% earn over $176,000. PAs in surgery, dermatology, emergency medicine and cardiology, or who take significant call, typically earn the most.
What is a physician assistant's take-home pay on $133,260?
A single PA earning the $133,260 median takes home roughly $100,000 to $103,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state, and several thousand dollars less where state income tax applies. Enter your own salary and state above for an exact figure.
Do surgical PAs earn more than primary-care PAs?
Usually yes. Surgical, dermatology, emergency-medicine and cardiology PAs tend to earn above the overall PA median, and call pay plus production or RVU bonuses can add several thousand dollars. Enter your full salary plus any cash bonus for the most accurate take-home.
Which states pay physician assistants the most?
Connecticut, California, Nevada, Washington and Alaska report the highest average PA wages. California and Connecticut pair high pay with high state income tax, while a high-paying role in a no-tax state like Texas, Washington or Nevada maximizes take-home.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Physician Assistants (median $133,260, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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