The Highest Paying Physician Assistant Specialty: A Comprehensive Guide

What is the highest paying physician assistant specialty?
Cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery topped the list as the highest-paid physician assistant specialty in 2020, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants Salary Report published June 16.

Physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals who perform a variety of medical services under the direction of duly licensed physicians. PAs have a variety of specialties they can choose from, including dermatology, surgery, and emergency care. However, dermatology stands out as the specialty for physician assistants that pays the highest salaries.

Physician assistants who specialize in dermatology had the highest average annual salaries, coming in at $145,000. Working in dermatology clinics, hospitals, private practices, or even research centers is required for PAs in this field. A dermatology PA’s duties include identifying and treating skin diseases, carrying out surgical treatments, and instructing patients on how to keep their skin healthy.

Cardiology, orthopedics, and neurosurgery are among more well-paid physician assistant specializations. Orthopedic and neurosurgery PAs can make an average of $120,000 and $117,000 per year, respectively, while cardiology PAs can make an average of $125,000.

It is significant to remember that a medical assistant’s pay might vary depending on a number of variables, including geography, years of experience, and kind of employer. Compared to the national average wage of $112,260 for physician assistants, a family practice doctor in California, for instance, can earn $208,000 annually on average.

Finally, dermatology is the physician assistant specialty with the greatest pay, with an average annual salary of $145,000. But there are also other specialties that pay well for PAs, including cardiology, orthopedics, and neurosurgery. In the end, a physician assistant’s pay is based on a number of variables and may differ depending on the area and type of employer.