Healthcare Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #21 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania

The median physician assistant salary in Pennsylvania is $124,750 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$124,750
vs National
$-1,260
State Rank
#21 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for physician assistant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $124,750 per year, physician assistants in Pennsylvania earn $1,260 less than the national median of $126,010.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning physician assistant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $83,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $172,260 — a $89,100 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $132,311.

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 Pennsylvania and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $87,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,380 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,120
$-880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,740
$-1,260 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,380
$-1,620 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $83,160
25th Percentile $104,940
Median (50th) $124,750
75th Percentile $149,490
90th Percentile $172,260

Physician Assistant Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for physician assistants in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Pennsylvania is $124,750 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $83,160 (10th percentile) to $172,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,750, a physician assistant in Pennsylvania earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for physician assistants? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $87,120, while senior professionals earn $160,380.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. Pennsylvania's median of $124,750 ranks #21 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($126,010) and Nevada ($124,750).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in Pennsylvania earns approximately $87,120 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $124,740. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $160,380.
What city in Pennsylvania pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for physician assistants, with a median salary of $132,311. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.