Physician Assistants
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$133,260
~$64/hr · ~$11,105/mo
US Jobs
163K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
5/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 5/10
Physician assistants perform a mix of high-level knowledge work and physical clinical tasks. While AI will significantly augment diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and administrative documentation, the role requires physical presence for examinations, surgical procedures, and hands-on treatments like stitching wounds, as well as complex interpersonal counseling that is difficult to automate.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $215,600 | Above avg (113.1) | $190,697 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $152,550 | Below avg (85.2) | $179,072 |
| Modesto, CA | $178,520 | Above avg (105.1) | $169,814 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $144,500 | Below avg (85.7) | $168,613 |
| Dover, DE | $154,660 | Below avg (91.9) | $168,240 |
| Vallejo, CA | $180,540 | Above avg (109.4) | $165,089 |
| Napa, CA | $183,930 | Above avg (111.8) | $164,479 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $154,550 | Below avg (94.5) | $163,507 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $147,950 | Below avg (91.4) | $161,910 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $158,230 | Average (97.9) | $161,581 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $158,690 | Average (98.9) | $160,479 |
| Farmington, NM | $139,190 | Below avg (87.0) | $159,952 |
| Midland, TX | $152,500 | Below avg (95.4) | $159,882 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $156,410 | Average (98.6) | $158,669 |
| Tucson, AZ | $150,350 | Below avg (94.9) | $158,377 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Master's degree
10-Year Growth
+20% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$64/hr
Monthly Income
~$11,105/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)