Healthcare New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in New Jersey

The median physician assistant salary in New Jersey is $151,212 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$151,212
vs National
+$25,202
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for physician assistants seeking high pay. At $151,212 per year, physician assistants in New Jersey earn $25,202 more than the national median of $126,010.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $151,212 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $131,489.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $100,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $208,800 — a $108,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $167,593.

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in New Jersey and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $105,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $194,400 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$105,600
+$17,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,200
+$25,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$194,400
+$32,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $100,800
25th Percentile $127,200
Median (50th) $151,212
75th Percentile $181,200
90th Percentile $208,800

Physician Assistant Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for physician assistants in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physician Assistant in New Jersey

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Physician Assistant make in New Jersey? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in New Jersey is $151,212 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $100,800 (10th percentile) to $208,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $151,212, a physician assistant in New Jersey earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for physician assistants? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $105,600, while senior professionals earn $194,400.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. New Jersey's median of $151,212 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($162,553) and New York ($160,033).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in New Jersey earns approximately $105,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $151,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $194,400.
What city in New Jersey pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for physician assistants, with a median salary of $167,593. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.