Are you a Physician Assistant (PA) considering relocating for a new job? Finding the right state to live and work can make a significant difference in both your salary and career satisfaction. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best states for Physician Assistants to live and work. In this article, we’ll provide average salaries, the salary difference between the state and national averages, and the location quotient (concentration of PAs relative to the national average) for each state.
Note: The location quotient of each specialty is calculated by dividing the local concentration of the industry by the national concentration of the industry. If the location quotient is greater than 1, the industry makes up a larger share of that state’s employment than it does for the entire United States.
National Average: $130,490
Washington
- Average Salary: $145,390
- Location Quotient: 0.89
- Salary Difference: +11.43%
Washington ranks among the highest-paying states for Physician Assistants, thanks to its robust healthcare system and high demand for healthcare professionals. It also offers PAs excellent career growth opportunities.
California
- Average Salary: $144,520
- Location Quotient: 0.88
- Salary Difference: +10.76%
California is another top state for PAs, with salaries significantly above the national average. The state's high cost of living is offset by generous compensation for healthcare professionals, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Alaska
- Average Salary: $144,460
- Location Quotient: 1.41
- Salary Difference: +10.73%
Alaska is notable for its high pay, reflecting both the demand for healthcare in remote areas and the challenges of working in such a unique location. PAs in Alaska benefit from high salaries and a strong sense of purpose in providing care to underserved populations.
Connecticut
- Average Salary: $143,280
- Location Quotient: 1.73
- Salary Difference: +9.82%
In Connecticut, PAs enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country. With a location quotient above the national average, this state has a strong demand for PAs, making it an attractive place to work.
Nevada
- Average Salary: $141,360
- Location Quotient: 0.89
- Salary Difference: +8.36%
Nevada offers high salaries for PAs, especially in cities like Las Vegas, where the healthcare system continues to grow. The state's demand for PAs is expected to rise as the population increases.
Oregon
- Average Salary: $136,600
- Location Quotient: 0.83
- Salary Difference: +4.69%
Oregon boasts competitive salaries for Physician Assistants. Though its location quotient is slightly below average, PAs can expect good job opportunities in both urban and rural settings.
New Hampshire
- Average Salary: $136,200
- Location Quotient: 1.43
- Salary Difference: +4.38%
New Hampshire continues to offer high demand for healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas, which explains its high location quotient and competitive salaries.
New York
- Average Salary: $135,620
- Location Quotient: 1.62
- Salary Difference: +4.06%
New York has one of the highest concentrations of PAs, particularly in major metropolitan areas like New York City. High salaries are balanced by a high cost of living, but the state's healthcare opportunities remain excellent.
Vermont
- Average Salary: $132,860
- Location Quotient: 1.12
- Salary Difference: +1.81%
Vermont offers a high concentration of PAs and competitive salaries, especially for those working in rural healthcare. It's a great state for PAs seeking work-life balance in a scenic environment.
Massachusetts
- Average Salary: $131,920
- Location Quotient: 0.93
- Salary Difference: +1.10%
Massachusetts remains a hub for healthcare professionals, with top-tier hospitals and medical centers. PAs here enjoy high salaries and the benefits of working in a state with world-class healthcare institutions.
Breakdown of Degrees Held by PAs in the U.S.
| Degree | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Bachelors | 46% |
| Masters | 28% |
| Associate | 9% |
| Doctorate | 5% |
| Other Degrees | 12% |
Top States for PAs in 2024
If you're a Physician Assistant looking for the best locations to advance your career, these states offer excellent opportunities in terms of salary and job demand. From the high salaries in Washington and California to the rural healthcare needs in Alaska and Vermont, there's a state to match every career goal.
Ashley Poshard is the Manager of Program Relations and Data Quality. She joined PracticeMatch in 2021 and brings over a decade of database management experience. Formerly an in-house physician recruiter and PracticeMatch client, she excels in engaging physicians with the platform. Ashley collaborates with program coordinators nationally, offering educational opportunities and gathering feedback. Her role involves implementing innovative features and services, fostering long-term physician engagement with PracticeMatch. Additionally, Ashley leads the data team, working to maximize data collection efforts and enhance the PinPoint Database's size, value, and quality, solidifying PracticeMatch's position as a leader in healthcare recruitment and data management.