As the healthcare landscape evolves, Physician Assistants (PAs) continue to play a pivotal role in delivering quality care. With the demand for healthcare services on the rise, PAs are seeing significant growth in compensation. According to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the median total compensation for PAs increased to $134,000 in 2024, marking a 5.5% rise from the previous year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 28% employment growth for PAs from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Choosing the right specialty can significantly impact a PA's earning potential. Below are the top-paying PA specialties in 2025, based on recent data.
Cardiovascular Surgery: Leading the Field
Physician Assistants in cardiovascular surgery are among the highest earners in the profession, with average annual compensation exceeding $152,000. These PAs assist in complex heart and thoracic procedures, manage critical patient care, and often work extended shifts in surgical environments. The intensity and responsibility of this role make it one of the most financially rewarding specialties.
Dermatology: High Pay with Steady Demand
Dermatology remains a top-paying PA specialty, offering average salaries of around $145,000. PAs in dermatology treat skin conditions, assist with cosmetic procedures, and manage chronic conditions in outpatient settings. With predictable hours and high patient volumes, many PAs find dermatology both professionally and personally fulfilling.
Cardiology: Complex Care and Strong Compensation
Working in cardiology can bring in an average of $142,000 annually for PAs. The role involves managing heart conditions, performing diagnostic tests, and assisting in interventional procedures. Due to the technical skills required and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, cardiology offers both high compensation and strong job security.
Transplant Surgery: Demanding Work with High Rewards
Transplant surgery PAs earn about $140,691 per year. These professionals are deeply involved in organ transplantation, assisting before, during, and after complex procedures. The specialty demands precision, flexibility, and the ability to work in high-stakes situations, all of which contribute to its high salary range.
Emergency Medicine: Fast-Paced and Financially Competitive
PAs in emergency medicine earn an average of $133,990 annually. The high-pressure nature of emergency departments requires quick thinking and broad medical knowledge. PAs in this field treat everything from trauma to acute illnesses and are compensated accordingly for their versatility and round-the-clock availability.
Urology: Procedural Proficiency Pays Off
In urology, PAs can expect to earn around $133,921 per year. They assist with conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system, often performing minor procedures and diagnostics. This specialty combines steady patient flow with technical care, making it a solid financial and professional choice.
Occupational Medicine: Focused Care, Competitive Salary
Occupational medicine PAs average $133,120 annually, supporting workplace health through injury treatment, preventive care, and regulatory compliance. The structured hours and specialized patient population make this specialty attractive to many PAs looking for balance and strong compensation.
Critical Care: Intensity Meets Compensation
Critical care PAs, often working in ICUs, earn about $133,000 per year. They manage life-threatening conditions, interpret advanced diagnostics, and collaborate closely with physicians in high-stakes situations. This role demands a high level of expertise and delivers commensurate pay.
Orthopedic Surgery: Procedural Depth with High Demand
Orthopedic surgery remains a perennial favorite among PAs, with average salaries of $131,785. PAs in this field assist in surgeries, manage musculoskeletal injuries, and oversee post-operative care. Their role is central in both hospital and outpatient orthopedic practices, driving strong job stability and earnings.
Oncology: Supportive Care with Strong Salaries
PAs working in oncology earn an average of $131,345. These professionals support patients through diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term care, often forming close relationships with their patient base. The emotional investment is high, but so is the compensation.
Why Specialty Choice Matters
The path you choose as a Physician Assistant doesn't just define your day-to-day responsibilities - it shapes your financial future. Specialties like cardiovascular surgery, dermatology, and cardiology consistently lead the way in compensation, but all of the roles listed here offer a combination of strong salaries and professional impact. Whether you're seeking high earnings, procedural involvement, or a better work-life balance, aligning your specialty with your career goals is key.
Article originally published 4/12/2024, updated 5/19/2025
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.