What Physician Assistants do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Physician Assistants this way: "Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition"; "Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal"; "Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients"; "Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination"; "Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is master's degree.
Job outlook for Physician Assistants
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 168,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 204,600 in 2035, an increase of 35,700 jobs (+21.1%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 11,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.8% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $135,880, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Physician Assistants earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $159,613 in New York to $161,188 in New Jersey, a gap of $1,575 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $135,880 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 22,480, which is 51.7% of the 43,520 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 21,040.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($161,188) and New York ($159,613) lead the ranking, while New York ($159,613) and New Jersey ($161,188) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Physician Assistants
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-1000) include General Internal Medicine Physicians, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners and Physical Therapists.
Frequently asked questions about Physician Assistants
What is the national median wage for Physician Assistants?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $135,880. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $159,613 to $161,188.
Which state pays Physician Assistants the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $161,188. New York is next at $159,613.
What is the job outlook for Physician Assistants?
BLS projects employment to grow by 21.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 11,500 openings a year.
What education do Physician Assistants need?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree, according to BLS.