Many healthcare experts predict that physician shortages and increased patient load will mean increased use of physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals. Here are eight statistics about compensation of physician assistants based on May 2009 data, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1. Mean annual wage for physician assistants was $84,830 in 2009.
2. The top 10 percent of physician assistants made a mean annual wage of $115,080 in 2009.
3. The bottom 10 percent of physician assistants made a mean annual wage of $55,880.
4. Physician assistants working in specialty hospitals made a mean annual wage of $90,940.
5. Physician assistants working in outpatient care centers made a mean annual wage of $87,060.
6. Physician assistants working in general medical and surgical hospitals made a mean annual wage of $86,850.
7. The highest paying state for physician assistants was Nevada, where PAs made a mean annual wage of $103,500.
8. The highest paying metropolitan area for physician assistants was Chattanooga, Tenn., where PAs made a mean annual wage of $142,220.
1. Mean annual wage for physician assistants was $84,830 in 2009.
2. The top 10 percent of physician assistants made a mean annual wage of $115,080 in 2009.
3. The bottom 10 percent of physician assistants made a mean annual wage of $55,880.
4. Physician assistants working in specialty hospitals made a mean annual wage of $90,940.
5. Physician assistants working in outpatient care centers made a mean annual wage of $87,060.
6. Physician assistants working in general medical and surgical hospitals made a mean annual wage of $86,850.
7. The highest paying state for physician assistants was Nevada, where PAs made a mean annual wage of $103,500.
8. The highest paying metropolitan area for physician assistants was Chattanooga, Tenn., where PAs made a mean annual wage of $142,220.