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Physician Assistants

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $135,880/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$99,380$190,280

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +20.4% projected growth, 20242034 — much faster than average.

About 12,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionService OrientationJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingActive ListeningMonitoringActive Learning
Top knowledge areas
Medicine and DentistryBiologyEnglish LanguagePsychologyTherapy and CounselingCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingSociology and Anthropology
Core tasks

Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.

Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.

Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.

Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.

Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.

Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.

Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.

Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Physician Assistants?

The median pay for Physician Assistants is $135,880 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Physician Assistants?

Employment for Physician Assistants is projected to change +20.4% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Physician Assistants?

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Physician Assistants?

About 12,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.