When most of us think of the healthcare industry and occupations in it, our minds usually go to doctors and nurses. However, there are a wide variety of professions in the healthcare industry one can choose from, all of which require different levels of education. Such is the case with physician assistants.

What Is a Physician Assistant?

A physician assistant, otherwise known as a physician associate, is a licensed health professional. Physician assistants are mid-level healthcare providers, which means they have more training than nurses and medical assistants but less than physicians. They are educated and highly trained to work in all areas of healthcare, e.g., primary care, family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, etc. In addition, they are able to provide care to patients of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults. Physician assistants work with other healthcare professionals, like physicians, surgeons, etc., in teams to provide the best care to a patient.

What Do Physician Assistants Do?

Now that we know what a physician assistant is, it is time to tackle the other important question: what are some of their duties and responsibilities? As we have already mentioned, physician assistants can practice medicine in a lot of different areas, but their exact responsibilities vary depending on the work setting, years of experience, specialty, and state laws. However, a physician assistant's duties include but are not limited to:

Taking medical histories;
Conducting physical exams;
Diagnosing and treating illnesses;
Ordering and interpreting tests;
Developing treatment plans;
Prescribing medication;
Counseling on preventive care;
Performing procedures;
Assisting in surgery;
Making rounds in hospitals and nursing homes;
Doing clinical research, etc.

How Much Do Physician Assistants Make?

If you are interested in knowing what your salary would be as a physician assistant, there are a few factors that you need to consider before determining your exact salary. Factors such as level of experience, skill set, state you practice in, etc. can play a crucial role in what your salary will be. Let's dig into each factor a little further so you can better understand what we mean.

Average salary

If all you are looking for is a rough estimate for a physician assistant's salary, you can check different sources for the (national) average wage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for a physician assistant is $121,530, as of May 2021, with the lowest 10% making less than $77,940 and the highest 10% making over $164,620.

Salary based on experience

Experience is another major factor when it comes to the salary for physician assistants. According to the data from NCCPA, more than half of new graduate students have starting salaries between $80,000 and $100,000. On the other hand, average salaries for physician assistants with 15-19 years of experience can go up to $30,000 more per year than newly graduated physician assistants.

10 best-paying states for physician assistants

If you are a physician assistant based in the U.S., the state in which you practice can also play a role in your salary. Below you will find a list of the ten best states for physician assistants to practice medicine based on the wages according to Forbes:

Connecticut: $125,610
Washington: $123,980
Alaska: $122,260
Hawaii: $121,120
California: $117,230
New York: $117,000
Wyoming: $116,890
Nevada: $116,850
New Jersey: $116,270
Minnesota: $116,200

5 lowest-paying states for physician assistants

While it would be ideal to practice medicine as a physician assistant in one of the highest-paying states, unfortunately, it isn't always possible. Because not all physician assistants can take jobs in those states, it makes sense to know the lowest-paying states for physician assistants in the U.S. to at least avoid those. Below is a list of five lowest-paying states for physician assistants and their respective average annual salaries according to Forbes:

Mississippi: $81,130
Louisiana: $85,990
Tennessee: $87,700
Kentucky: $91,010
Alabama: $92,880

What Skills Can Affect Physician Assistants’ Salaries?

As is the case with virtually every other profession, to become a physician assistant, you must develop a set of skills that will aid you in your daily responsibilities and contribute to career advancement and, ultimately, your salary. Some of the skills physician assistants must possess include:

Communication skills: Great communication skills are essential when working with patients to whom you will be communicating important information regarding their health. These particular skills will also help you when working in teams with other medical professionals.
Teamwork: Physician assistants primarily work in teams with other medical professionals; therefore, being able to collaborate with others is a huge benefit.
Problem-solving skills: Hospitals and other medical facilities can become hectic environments when there are many patients that need your attention. Being able to think on your feet and prioritize between patients is crucial.
Emotional intelligence and empathy: While medical professionals are told to maintain a neutral stance at all times, this isn't always easy or the right thing to do. When communicating bad news about their health to the patients, a physician assistant should be sensitive and empathetic.
Attention to detail: Administering medication is one of the most critical responsibilities of a physician assistant. Strong attention to detail ensures no errors occur when prescribing medication to patients.
Active listening: Being able to listen to your patients' concerns actively will help you with your diagnosis and, most importantly, gain their trust.

Physician Assistant Job Outlook

If all you are worried about is the job outlook for physician assistants, we have good news for you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 31% growth in the employment of physician assistants by 2030. According to the same source, the growth rate of employment for physician assistants is faster than average, even when compared to all other occupations. So if you are planning on pursuing a career as a physician assistant in the next ten years, based on the job outlook, you will have one less thing to worry about.

Conclusion

All in all, a physician assistant can be the ideal career for many as it has a great job outlook, average salary, and you get to work in different environments. However, there are other factors that one should consider before pursuing a career as a physician assistant, such as your own interests!

What Is the Average Physician Assistant Salary?