As Doctor Shortage Rages On, Physician Assistant Pay Hits $140,000

InnovationHealthcareAs Doctor Shortage Rages On, Physician Assistant Pay Hits $140,000ByBruce Japsen,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bruce Japsen writes about healthcare business and policy.Follow AuthorMay 19, 2026, 04:09pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) said total median compensation rose 4.5% to $140,000 compared to $134,000 in 2024. And more than 58% of PAs “received a bonus from their primary employer, with a median bonus amount of $6,000,” the AAPA report said.gettyPhysician assistants continue to increase in number and so is their pay, hitting $140,000 on average as their ranks have grown to more than 200,000, according to new data from two groups.The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) said total median compensation rose 4.5% to $140,000 compared to $134,000 in 2024. And more than 58% of PAs “received a bonus from their primary employer, with a median bonus amount of $6,000,” the AAPA report said. The analysis is similar to a new report out last week from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) that also shows PA pay on the rise. NCCPA said the “mean income for PAs” increased to $134,010 in 2025 from $95,602 in 2013. Meanwhile, the PA profession grew 5.9% to 201,038 by the end of last year compared to 2024, NCCPA’s report said“This year’s profile reinforces what we continue to see across the health care landscape that PAs are a growing, adaptable workforce meeting the evolving needs of patients and health systems,” said NCCPA president and chief executive Dawn Morton-Rias. “Their flexibility to practice across specialties and health care settings is a powerful strength that supports improved access to care throughout the country.”The increasing numbers of PAs and the improving pay come amid a primary care shortage tha...