Average Physician Assistants Salary in California
Physician Assistants in California command an impressive average annual salary of $161,980, significantly surpassing the national average of $136,910. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust healthcare sector, high demand for skilled medical professionals, and the state's generally higher cost of living, necessitating competitive pay to attract and retain talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $161,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $219,300.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 13,570 Physician Assistants, California demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The location quotient of 0.75 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume indicates a strong and active job market. This implies a consistent demand for Physician Assistants, offering a stable outlook for those in the profession within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in California earns+18.3%above the national average.
$77.9
$3,115
$13,498
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Physician Assistants in California have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in medical technology, and a growing emphasis on team-based patient care likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, ensuring that the earning potential for PAs in California remains dynamic.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in California
The career trajectory for Physician Assistants in California typically shows a clear correlation between experience and earning potential. Entry-level PAs can expect salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills will command significantly higher compensation, often reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies ample opportunities for career progression and increased earning power.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $94,870 | $45.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $121,485 | $58.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $161,080 | $77.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $202,475 | $97.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $219,300 | $105.4 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$161,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$116,953
Adjusted for COL (138.5)
While the nominal salary of $161,980 for Physician Assistants in California appears highly attractive, it must be considered against the state's elevated Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses, from housing to groceries, are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the gross salary is substantial, the actual purchasing power and disposable income will be somewhat tempered by these higher living costs.
Job Market Context
13,570
Total Jobs
0.752
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
California has 0.75x the national average concentration of Physician Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
California's Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.75 for Physician Assistants indicates that the state has a slightly lower concentration of PAs relative to the national average when adjusted for the overall workforce. This suggests that while PAs are a vital part of the healthcare system, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially leading to competitive hiring environments in certain regions or specialties. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 0.752 further supports the notion of a healthy, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $152,080↓ 6% | 15 mi |
| Visalia, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $143,510↓ 11% | 25 mi |
| Fresno, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $144,160↓ 11% | 46 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $161,210↓ 0% | 64 mi |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Physician Assistants Salary | $154,010↓ 5% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near California
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in California?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in California is $161,980. This typically ranges from $94,870 for entry-level positions to $219,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in California is 18.3% higher than the national median of $136,910.
Is California a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, California is a lucrative place for Physician Assistants.The average annual salary of $161,980 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating strong earning potential. However, this must be weighed against the state's high cost of living.
Is California a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near California?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($152,080) and Visalia, CA.
How does California's PA salary compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in California earn an average of $161,980 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $136,910.
What is the cost of living in California compared to the rest of the US?
California has a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, meaning it is approximately 38.5% more expensive to live there than the national average.
Is the job market for Physician Assistants strong in California?
With a workforce of 13,570 and a location quotient of 0.75, the job market is robust, indicating consistent demand for Physician Assistants.
How does experience affect a Physician Assistant's salary in California?
Experience plays a significant role, with entry-level PAs earning less and senior PAs with specialized skills commanding higher salaries, reflecting clear career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,570 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.752 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physician Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California