Physician Assistants Employment and Wages in 2022

In 2022, the Physician Assistants occupation accounted for over 141 thousand jobs in the United States, reflecting an increase of 6% from 2021. The annual mean wage in 2022 was $125,270, and the median wage was $126,010. Compared to the national average for all occupations, the wages for this occupation were higher by 102.4%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among industry sectors, Health Care and Social Assistance held the largest number of jobs for the Physician Assistants occupation, employing over 129 thousand people in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sector was $125,220, with a median wage of $126,180. There was a decrease in wage variance to the national average compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from 0.3% to 0%, indicating industry sector wages lagged national wage trends.

Educational Services accounted for a substantial employment share for this occupation, with 4 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $108,320, and the median wage was $107,410. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was an increase compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -15.6% to -13.5%.

The Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding state and local schools and hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OES Designation) sector also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 2 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $120,050 and the median wage was $113,900. The wage variance to the national average experienced a decrease compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -2.4% to -4.2%.

Highest Location Concentration

When we examine the top locations in terms of proportional employment within the Physician Assistants occupation, we find that Rochester, MN had the highest concentration of jobs (9.8 times the national occupational employment share). The location had an annual mean wage in 2022, at $120,130, and a median wage of $124,440. The location variance to the national average was -4.1%. Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC had the next highest concentration of jobs (3.7 times the national occupational employment share) and an annual mean wage of $86,020 and a median wage of $66,150. The industry variance to the national average was -31.3%. Winston-Salem, NC had 2.6 times the national occupational employment share and an annual mean wage of $126,950 and a median wage of $129,450. The industry variance to the national average was 1.3%.

Summary

In 2022, the Physician Assistants occupation experienced substantial growth, with over 141 thousand jobs in the United States, representing a notable increase of 6% from the previous year. Professionals in this field enjoyed robust wages, with an annual mean wage of $125,270 and a median wage of $126,010, surpassing the national average for all occupations by 102.4%. Among industry sectors, Health Care and Social Assistance emerged as the primary employer, with over 129 thousand individuals working in this domain. While the annual mean wage in this sector closely mirrored the national average, there was a slight decrease in wage variance compared to the previous year, suggesting a minor lag in industry sector wages relative to national trends. Educational Services also played a significant role, albeit with a smaller employment share, with wages showing an increase in variance relative to the national average. Similarly, the Federal, State, and Local Government sector employed a notable number of physician assistants, with wages showing a decrease in variance compared to the previous year. Analyzing location concentration, Rochester, MN, led in job concentration, offering wages close to the national average. Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, and Winston-Salem, NC, followed, each showcasing significant employment shares with varying wage differentials relative to the national average.

For more detailed insights, visit our Physician Assistants Dashboard or consider purchasing Aimiax’s 2022 Physician Assistants Report.