There are many factors to consider when looking for an employment opportunity as a Physician Assistant. One of the biggest factors is compensation and this can vary considerably based on which medical specialty you choose to work in. With average PA salaries coming in at a median $126,010 annually, choosing a lucrative specialty opportunity can bump up your pay by over $20,000 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of nearly 40k jobs by 2032. To help you capitalize on a lucrative career move, consider these top-paying PA specialties.
Cardiothoracic-Vascular Surgery
Physician Assistants working in the field of cardiothoracic/vascular surgery earn the profession's highest salaries, with a median compensation of $152,500. Average base salaries for PA's specializing in Cardiothoracic-Vascular Surgery average $145,000. Their bonuses average $7,500. These PAs go the extra mile to earn this top-level pay as they also work the longest hours in the profession, clocking close to 50 hours a week. When they aren't in the operating room or on the hospital floor, these PAs also report the most on-call hours with half reporting an average of 10 + hours of call a week. Salary ranges vary on state, education, certifications, and years of practice experience. Common practice settings include surgical centers and hospitals. PAs in this field assist in major surgeries and manage patient care pre- and post-operation, making a significant impact on recovery and outcomes. This specialty offers high compensation
Dermatology
Skin is in when it comes to specialties earning top pay for Physician Assistants. PAs that provide care to patients with integumentary issues earn an average total compensation of $145,000 annually and work an average 40-hour workweek. The structure of their compensation usually involves a base salary of $112,000 complemented by significant bonuses averaging $20,000 - $30,000. This helps explain why Dermatology consistently ranks highest amongst specialties when it comes to the best work-life balance and career satisfaction levels. Work-life balance for physician assistants specializing in dermatology is top-notch as they enjoy weekends free of call schedules and after-hour emergencies.
Emergency Medicine
Emergency Medicine is a great specialty for PAs wanting a fast-paced, challenging career that provides a great income. This may be why 10% of practicing Physician Assistants work in this specialty with a median total compensation of $133,990, supported by a balance of hourly wages ($73.00/hour) and bonuses ($6,000), reflecting the demanding nature of their roles. Physician assistants in emergency medicine are crucial members of the medical team, working alongside physicians to provide urgent care in high-stakes environments. These professionals are trained to handle a broad spectrum of cases—from acute illnesses to severe injuries—ensuring swift and effective patient care.
Neurosurgery
Surgical specialty work frequently offers the highest compensation levels for medical professionals. This is true for PAs that provide surgical services to patients with central nervous system disorders in the field of neurosurgery. While clocking some of the profession's highest hours, averaging 45 hours per week, these PAs can expect to bring home a median total compensation of $129,000, are highly specialized, often receiving salaries complemented by bonuses for their critical technical skills. Neurosurgical Physician Assisstants are exceedingly specialized medical experts who collaborate closely with neurosurgeons to tackle ailments impacting the cerebrum, spinal column, and peripheral neural pathways. Predominantly stationed in hospitals and dedicated neurosurgical departments, they partake in intricate operations such as neoplasm excisions, spinal interventions, and emergency procedures related to traumatic injuries. The scope of a Neurosurgical PA extends beyond surgical assistance; they also conduct preoperative assessments, oversee postoperative recovery, and impart crucial knowledge concerning convalescence and physical rehabilitation. Their profound understanding of neuroanatomical formations and operative methodologies empowers them to adeptly navigate the complexities of neurosurgical treatments and patient management. Their meticulous precision and acute focus are indispensable for the efficacious resolution of neurological maladies.
Ortho Surgery
Ortho Surgery is a popular and well-compensated specialty that close to 11,000 Physician Assistants have made their specialty of choice. Like their neurosurgical counterparts, these PAs work some extended hours in hospitals and clinics. Specializing in musculoskeletal issues, these PAs earn a median total compensation of $128,000, reflecting their essential role in both surgical and non-surgical patient care.
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Laura Kleffner is the VP of Marketing Operations at PracticeMatch.
She has been with PracticeMatch since 2014. Laura is responsible for the PracticeMatch marketing strategy to reach physicians as well as healthcare organizations with a need for physician recruitment resources.