Top 10 Highest-Paid PA Specialties this 2024

Considering a career as a Physician Assistant (PA)?  Wondering which specialties offer the highest earning potential?

Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top 10 highest-paid PA specialties for 2024,

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is a professional organization representing physician assistants (PAs) in the United States. They conducts surveys of its members to collect data on salaries, benefits, and other information related to the PA profession.

The data used in this analysis is based on the AAPA’s 2022 Salary Survey. The survey asked PAs to report their average total compensation, which includes their base salary, overtime pay, bonuses, and other forms of compensation.

The Role of Physician Assistants

Physician Assistants (PAs), also known as Physician Associates, are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. PAs are integral to the healthcare system, providing high-quality care and addressing physician shortages. 

They conduct physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, assist in surgery, write prescriptions, manage treatment plans, and provide preventive care counseling.

PAs work in various medical settings and across multiple specialties. They collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care.

Factors Influencing PA Salaries

Several factors can influence a PA’s salary:

• Specialty: Certain specialties, particularly those requiring advanced skills or working in high-demand areas, tend to offer higher compensation.
• Experience: As PAs gain experience, their earning potential increases.
• Location: States on the West Coast and Northeast often offer higher wages. Rural areas may also offer competitive pay and benefits due to the difficulty in attracting healthcare professionals.
• Employer Type: PAs might work for large health systems, small private practices, government agencies, and universities, or be self-employed contractors.
• Work Setting: PAs working in occupational medicine, convenient care, or hospitals often earn more than those in schools, universities, or outpatient clinics.
• Education and Certifications: A PA’s educational background, including certifications or a doctoral degree, can contribute to higher compensation. The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) offers Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQs) for specific fields.
• Market Demand: Worker shortages in high-demand areas cause increased compensation to attract and retain qualified professionals.

General Salary Trends

• The average annual PA salary in the US is around $130,000.
• The national average salary for Physician Assistants in the United States was $127,347 in 2024.
• The median salary for physician assistants is approximately $121,530 per year.
• Entry-level PAs earn around $100,000, and top earners make over $135,000 annually.
• The average median annual income for PA positions is $127,000 and continues to rise.
• The latest American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) salary report showed a slight (5.8% NOT inflation-adjusted) increase in projected PA salary from previous years to $127,000 per year.
• In 2024, PA median compensation increased to $134,000, up from $127,000 in 2023.
• The 2025 AAPA Salary Report reveals a 5.5% increase in the total median compensation for PAs.
• The report reveals that the median salary for new PAs is $110,000.

10 Highest-Paid PA Specialties

Before you proceed, check this out Advanced Healthcare Provider: Top Skills & Salary

Note: Salary data can vary based on the source, location, experience, and other factors. The figures below represent an approximate average based on available data from 2024 and early 2025 .

Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery

Average Salary: $171,000

Cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery PAs are highly skilled healthcare professionals who are crucial in treating heart and lung diseases. They work in operating rooms, intensive care units, and other medical settings.

What They Do:

• Assist surgeons during heart and lung surgeries, such as coronary bypass surgery, heart valve replacements, and lung transplants.
• Pre-operative and post-operative care includes patient education, medication management, and vital signs monitoring.
• Manage patient records and coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
• Provide support to patients and their families.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

These PAs possess specialized knowledge and skills in cardiac and thoracic surgery procedures. Their ability to assist surgeons in complex operations, such as heart bypass surgery and valve replacements, is highly valued.

These PAs often work in high-pressure situations, such as during emergency surgeries. The demanding nature of their work, coupled with the potential for critical outcomes, justifies higher compensation.

Dermatology

Average Salary:  $166,000

Dermatology PAs specialize in treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. They work in dermatology clinics, hospitals, and private practices.

What They Do:

• Diagnose and treat skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
• Perform minor surgical procedures, such as biopsies and excisions.
• Prescribe medications and recommend treatments.
• Provide patient education and counseling.
• Assist with cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections and laser treatments.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

Dermatology PAs require advanced training in skin conditions, dermatological procedures, and cosmetic treatments. Their expertise in diagnosing and treating skin diseases, performing minor surgeries, and administering cosmetic procedures makes them sought-after professionals.

While the work environment may be less intense than in cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery, dermatology PAs still face challenges, such as dealing with patients with complex skin conditions and managing a busy practice.

Emergency Medicine

Average Salary:   $155,070

Emergency medicine physician assistants (PAs) work in emergency departments (EDs) and provide immediate medical care to patients with acute illnesses and injuries.

They are often the first healthcare providers to assess and stabilize patients before they are transferred to other departments or facilities.

What They Do:

• Assess and stabilize patients with a variety of medical conditions, including trauma, cardiac emergencies, respiratory distress, and allergic reactions.
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.
• Perform procedures, such as suturing, casting, and intubation.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests.
• Prescribe medications.
• Coordinate patient care with other healthcare providers.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

Emergency medicine PAs are often the first line of defense in providing life-saving care to patients. Their ability to quickly assess and stabilize patients in critical situations is invaluable.

At the same time, EDs can be chaotic and fast-paced, requiring PAs to be able to handle high-stress situations and make quick decisions.

Due to the specialized nature of emergency medicine and the increasing demand for emergency care, there is a limited supply of qualified PAs in this field. This scarcity drives up their salaries.

Occupational Medicine

Average Salary:  $133,120

Occupational medicine PAs specialize in preventing and treating workplace injuries and illnesses. They work in industrial clinics, healthcare facilities, and government agencies. They play a vital role in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses, which can save businesses money and improve employee productivity.

What They Do:

• Conduct physical examinations and health assessments for employees.
• Develop and implement workplace safety programs.
• Investigate workplace accidents and injuries.
• Treat workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Provide health education and counseling to employees.
• Coordinate with employers to improve workplace safety and health.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

Occupational medicine PAs must have a deep understanding of workplace safety and health regulations and the ability to diagnose and treat workplace injuries and illnesses.

As businesses focus more on workplace safety and health, the demand for occupational medicine PAs is increasing. At the same time, Occupational medicine PAs can specialize in a variety of areas, such as ergonomics, toxicology, or environmental health, which can lead to higher salaries and career advancement.

Critical Care

Average Salary: $146,000

Critical care physician assistants (PAs) specialize in providing intensive care to patients with life-threatening conditions. They work in intensive care units (ICUs) in hospitals.

What They Do:

• Monitor and manage patients with critical illnesses, such as heart failure, respiratory failure, and sepsis.
• Assist with invasive procedures, such as intubation and central line placement.
• Administer medications and monitor vital signs.
• Coordinate patient care with other healthcare providers.
• Provide support to patients and their families.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

ICUs are high-stress environments, requiring PAs to be able to handle critical situations and make quick decisions. Critical care PAs play a vital role in saving the lives of patients with critical illnesses.

Due to the specialized nature of critical care and the increasing demand for intensive care services, there is a limited supply of qualified PAs in this field making their salaries really high.

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Psychiatry

Average Salary: $130,000

Psychiatry physician assistants (PAs) specialize in providing mental health care to patients with a variety of psychiatric disorders. They work in mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices.

Psychiatry PAs must have a deep understanding of mental health conditions and be able to diagnose and treat a variety of psychiatric disorders.

What They Do:

• Diagnose and treat mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
• Prescribe medications.
• Telehealth Psychiatry
• Provide psychotherapy and counseling.
• Coordinate patient care with other healthcare providers.
• Educate patients and their families about mental health conditions.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

 The prevalence of mental health conditions is increasing, which is driving up the demand for psychiatry PAs. Plus, they can specialize in various areas, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, or forensic psychiatry, which can lead to higher salaries and career advancement.

Lastly, Mental health care is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential part of overall health and well-being. This has led to increased investment in mental health services, which has benefited psychiatry PAs.

Surgical Subspecialties (other)

Average Salary: $130,000

Surgical subspecialty physician assistants (PAs) specialize in assisting surgeons in a variety of surgical specialties, such as general surgery, urology, gynecology, and otolaryngology. They work in operating rooms, clinics, and hospitals.

They are required to have a deep understanding of their specific surgical specialty and be able to assist surgeons in complex procedures.

What They Do:

• Assist surgeons during surgical procedures.
• Pre-operative and post-operative care, including patient education, medication management, and monitoring vital signs.
• Manage patient records and coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
• Provide support to patients and their families.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

Surgical subspecialties can involve long hours and high-stress situations, especially during surgeries. They also play a vital role in ensuring the success of surgical procedures and providing comprehensive care to patients.

Due to the specialized nature of surgical subspecialties and the increasing demand for surgical care, there is a limited supply of qualified PAs in this field.

Neurosurgery

Average Salary: $145,000

Neurosurgery physician assistants (PAs) are highly specialized healthcare professionals who work alongside neurosurgeons to provide comprehensive care for patients with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. They operate in a variety of settings, including operating rooms, clinics, and hospitals.

What They Do:

• Assist neurosurgeons during surgical procedures, such as brain tumor removal, spinal cord surgery, and aneurysm clipping.
• Pre-operative and post-operative care, including patient education, medication management, and monitoring vital signs.
• Manage patient records and coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
• Provide support to patients and their families.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

Neurosurgery PAs require a deep understanding of neuroanatomy, physiology, and surgical techniques. Their specialized knowledge and skills are highly valued.

It can also be a demanding field, with long hours and high-stress situations. PAs must be able to handle complex cases and work effectively under pressure.

Neurosurgery PAs are vital in treating patients with life-threatening conditions. Their expertise and skills can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Urgent Care

Average Salary: $147,000

Urgent care physician assistants (PAs) provide immediate medical care for a wide range of illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening. They work in urgent care clinics, which are typically open during evenings and weekends.

What They Do:

• Diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries, such as colds, flu, sprains, and fractures.
• Perform procedures such as suturing, casting, and X-rays.
• Prescribe medications.
• Coordinate patient care with other healthcare providers.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

Urgent care clinics offer convenient access to medical care for patients who cannot see their primary care physician during regular business hours. This increased demand drives up salaries.

Urgent care PAs must be able to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries, which requires a broad range of medical knowledge and skills. Similarly, urgent care clinics can be busy, requiring PAs to be able to handle a high volume of patients and make quick decisions.

Orthopedic Surgery

Average Salary:$128,000

Orthopedic surgery physician assistants (PAs) specialize in assisting orthopedic surgeons in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. They work in operating rooms, clinics, and hospitals.

They must have a deep understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, as well as the ability to assist orthopedic surgeons in complex procedures.

What They Do:

• Assist orthopedic surgeons during surgical procedures, such as joint replacements, fracture repair, and arthroscopy.
• Pre-operative and post-operative care, including patient education, medication management, and monitoring vital signs.
• Manage patient records and coordinate care with other healthcare providers.
• Provide support to patients and their families.

Why Their Salaries Are High:

Orthopedic surgery can involve long hours and high-stress situations, especially during surgeries. They also play a vital role in treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

Emerging Trends in the PA Profession

• Expanding Scope of Practice: PAs are gaining greater autonomy and responsibility in many states.
• Advanced Education and Specialized Training: More PAs are pursuing doctorate degrees and specialized residencies.
• Virtual Medicine and Technology-Driven Care: PAs are increasingly utilizing telehealth technologies to manage chronic conditions and provide remote care.
• AI Integration: Artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting the way physicians deliver care, providing innovative tools to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes.

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Job Outlook for PAs

The job outlook for PAs is exceptionally strong, with projections indicating growth of over 30% in the coming decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 28% increase in PA jobs between 2023 and 2033, with nearly 13,000 new openings annually.

This rapid growth is largely due to the nationwide shortage of physicians, the cost-effectiveness of PA services, and the relatively shorter training period compared to that of physicians.

Tips for Maximizing Earning Potential

• Choose a High-Demand Specialty: Research specialties with strong job growth and competitive salaries.
• Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge.
• Consider Location: Explore geographic areas with higher pay and lower cost of living.
• Pursue Certifications: Obtain certifications in your chosen specialty to demonstrate expertise.
• Negotiate Your Salary: Research industry benchmarks and be prepared to advocate for your worth.

Conclusion

As you can see, the PA profession offers many lucrative specialties. The top 10 highest-paid specialties in 2024 reflect the growing demand for specialized healthcare services and PAs’ valuable contributions to patient care.

Key takeaways:

• Specialized skills and expertise: The highest-paid PA specialties require specialized knowledge and skills, often involving complex procedures and patient care.
• Demanding work environments: Many of these specialties involve high-stress, fast-paced environments, demanding dedication and resilience.
• Critical roles in patient care: PAs in these specialties are crucial in treating patients with complex conditions and providing life-saving care.
• Limited supply and high demand: The scarcity of qualified PAs in these specialized areas contributes to their high salaries.

If you’re considering a career as a PA, researching these top-paying specialties can help you make informed decisions about your education and career path. 

Remember, while salary is an important factor, it’s essential to consider your personal interests, values, and career goals when choosing a specialty.

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