Whether you’re a recent graduate seeking your first Physician Assistant (PA) job or an experienced PA looking for a new opportunity, salary can play a significant role in where you choose to practice. Before starting your job search, take a look at the top 5 paying states for Physician Assistants in 2024. You might be surprised to learn that some of these states employ relatively few PAs despite offering some of the highest salaries.
Top 5 Paying States for Physician Assistants *:
(1) Nevada ($146,770/yr)
Nevada continues to be the top-paying state for Physician Assistants in the U.S., with Las Vegas offering an impressive average salary of $157,330 per year. Despite these high salaries, PAs are relatively few in number in Nevada, comprising only 0.6% of all practicing PAs nationwide. Most PAs in Nevada are employed in rural settings as part of solo or group physician practices, with a significant focus on Primary Care, where 42% of PAs work in related specialties. However, these high earnings come with a heavy workload, with PAs seeing an average of 95 patients per week(1). For more information on licensing and regulations, visit the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
(2) Rhode Island ($135,800/yr)
While Rhode Island employs only 0.3% of practicing PA's, it ranks 2nd in the country for the highest annual salary(2). Physician Assistant's in Rhode Island are most commonly employed in solo or group Physician practice settings. Primary Care and Surgical subspecialty work are equally popular employment avenues comprising a combined 60% of Rhode Island PA practice. For more information on licensing and regulations go to the State of Rhode Island Dept. of Health
(3) New Hampshire ($133,650/yr)
New Hampshire stands out for its unique practice environment, with 93% of PAs working in solo or group physician practices, many in rural settings. While rural care is emphasized, Surgical specialties are also common, with only 17% of PAs focusing on Primary Care. For more information on licensing and regulations, visit the New Hampshire Board of Medicine.
(4) North Dakota ($132,060/yr)
North Dakota, known for its expansive rural areas, primarily employs PAs in group or solo physician practices. Despite having the fewest PAs on this list, totaling only 304 certified practitioners, the state offers competitive salaries. For more information on licensing and regulations, visit the North Dakota State Medical Board.
(5) Connecticut ($131,660/yr)
Connecticut employs the highest number of certified Physician Assistants among these top-paying states, with just over 1,900 PAs. The majority of PAs in Connecticut work in Surgical specialties, often within hospital settings. For more information on licensing and regulations, visit the Connecticut Dept. of Public Health.
*Originally posted on 5/26/2020. Last updated on 8/21/2024.