Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Physician Assistant Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median physician assistant salary in Los Angeles, CA is $194,055 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$194,055
vs State Avg
+$10,080
vs National
+$68,045
Cost of Living
146%

Physician Assistant Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median physician assistant salary of $194,055, which is $10,080 above the California state average of $183,975. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $194,055 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $132,914. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physician assistants in Los Angeles spans from $129,360 at the 10th percentile to $267,960 at the 90th percentile — a $138,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $135,520, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $249,480. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physician Assistant Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $135,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $249,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$135,520
+$47,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$194,040
+$68,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$249,480
+$87,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $129,360
25th Percentile $163,240
Median (50th) $194,055
75th Percentile $232,540
90th Percentile $267,960

Physician Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Los Angeles

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open physician assistant positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Los Angeles, California is $194,055 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $129,360 (10th percentile) to $267,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $194,055, a physician assistant in Los Angeles earns approximately $93 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median physician assistant salary of $194,055 is 5.5% above the California state average of $183,975. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $194,055 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Los Angeles? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Los Angeles require a master's degree. Key skills include Clinical Assessment, Pharmacology, Surgical Assisting, Patient Communication. The job market is projected to grow 28% nationally over the next decade.