High Paying Careers: Physician Assistant

Fast Facts

Median U.S. Total Pay: $121,530 / year
Typical Entry‑Level Degree: Master's in Physician Assistant Studies
Growth Outlook (2022‑32): +27% (Much faster than average)
Top Work Settings: Hospitals, Medical Offices, Outpatient Clinics, Urgent Care Centers
Why It's a High Salary Career: PAs provide direct patient care with diagnostic and treatment authority, filling critical healthcare provider shortages.

Introduction

Physician Assistants (PAs) represent one of healthcare's fastest-growing and most versatile professions. With the ability to diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and perform many procedures traditionally done by physicians, PAs enjoy significant autonomy while maintaining collaborative relationships with doctors. This combination of clinical responsibility, work-life balance, and strong compensation makes PA careers among the most sought-after high paying jobs in medicine.

What Does a Physician Assistant Do?

• Patient Examination: Take histories, perform physical exams, and order diagnostic tests.
• Diagnosis & Treatment: Interpret results and create treatment plans for patients.
• Prescriptive Authority: Prescribe medications in all 50 states.
• Procedures: Perform surgeries, set fractures, and provide emergency care.
• Patient Education: Guide patients on preventive health and disease management.

Mini‑Case: A rural PA established a mobile clinic bringing essential care to underserved communities, providing over 2,000 medical visits annually to patients who would otherwise lack access—demonstrating why this high salary career offers both financial rewards and profound impact.

Who Excels as a Physician Assistant?

Clinical Decision-Maker: PAs diagnose and treat with appropriate autonomy.
Collaborative Teammate: Works within healthcare teams for optimal patient outcomes.
Adaptable Professional: Many PAs switch specialties throughout their careers.
Lifelong Learner: Medicine evolves constantly, requiring ongoing education.
Compassionate Communicator: Patients need clear explanations during vulnerable moments.

If these qualities resonate with you, a PA career might be your ideal path to a career that pays the most while making a daily difference in patients' lives.

High‑School Prep

1. Courses: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology, Statistics.
2. Activities:
   • Volunteer at hospitals or clinics.
   • Join HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America).
   • Participate in medical career exploration programs.
3. Projects:
   • Shadow healthcare providers, including PAs.
   • Complete Red Cross certifications.
   • Research health disparities in your community.

These experiences create strong foundations for high paying majors in pre-PA sciences.

Educational Pathways

1. Bachelor's Degree: Biology, Exercise Science, or other health sciences—considered solid easy good paying degrees for pre-PA students. Must include prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology.

2. Healthcare Experience: 2,000+ hours as EMT, paramedic, MA, CNA, etc. Required for PA school admission; develops clinical instincts.

3. PA School (2-3 years): Master's program with classroom and clinical rotations. Direct pathway to high paying jobs with master's degrees.

4. PANCE Licensing Exam: National certification examination. Required before practicing as a PA-C (certified).

5. State Licensure: Meet state requirements for practice authority. Legal requirement to work as a PA.

Salary Potential

• Median Annual Wage: $121,530 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Top Paying Specialties: Emergency medicine ($138,000), dermatology ($146,000), surgery ($133,000).
• Experience Premium: Senior PAs with 10+ years can earn $140,000-$160,000—confirming this as one of the careers that pay the most in healthcare with excellent work-life balance.

Top Locations

Alaska: $150,430 - Rural healthcare needs, cost-of-living adjustments
Connecticut: $146,810 - Strong healthcare systems, favorable practice laws
Nevada: $145,670 - Provider shortages, expanding healthcare access
New Jersey: $143,160 - Dense population, specialty practice opportunities
Washington: $142,130 - Progressive practice laws, research institutions

Day‑in‑the‑Life Snapshot

8:00 AM: Review lab results and imaging studies from previous day.
8:30 AM: Morning rounds with healthcare team (hospital setting).
10:00 AM: See patients independently in clinic or floor.
12:30 PM: Consult with supervising physician on complex cases.
1:30 PM: Perform procedures (joint injections, suturing, biopsies).
3:00 PM: Document patient encounters and update treatment plans.
5:00 PM: Complete prescription refills and patient follow-up calls.

Career Advancement

1. New Graduate PA – Build clinical foundations and efficiency.
2. Experienced PA (3-5 yrs) – Take on more complex cases with greater autonomy.
3. Specialty PA (5-7 yrs) – Develop expertise in a medical specialty.
4. Lead PA/PA Director (8+ yrs) – Manage PA teams and participate in administration.
5. Academic/Research PA – Teach in PA programs or conduct clinical research.

AI's Impact on PA Practice

While AI enhances diagnostic support and streamlines documentation, the hands-on patient care and clinical judgment that PAs provide remain irreplaceable. PAs who leverage AI tools while maintaining strong interpersonal connections with patients will thrive, ensuring this profession remains one of the most secure good paying jobs in healthcare.

Free Learning Resources

• The PA Platform – Pre-PA guidance and application tips.
• AAPA Learning Central – Professional development resources.
• Medscape PA – Clinical updates and educational content.
• The Physician Assistant Exam Review Podcast – PANCE preparation.
• CDC Learning Connection – Public health and clinical practice resources.

FAQs

How does a PA differ from a nurse practitioner? A: While both are advanced practice providers, PAs train in the medical model (similar to physicians) while NPs train in the nursing model. PAs also typically have more flexibility to switch specialties throughout their careers.

Can PAs work independently? A: Practice authority varies by state, but most PAs work collaboratively with physicians. However, many states have expanded PA practice authority in recent years, offering significant clinical autonomy.

How difficult is PA school admission? A: Competitive, with most programs accepting 3-5% of applicants. Strong academics (3.5+ GPA), substantial healthcare experience, and demonstrated leadership improve your chances in this high salary career pathway.

How GoodGoblin Can Help

GoodGoblin assists students interested in high-paying majors and easy-paying degrees by providing personalized guidance tailored to their strengths, interests, and goals. It helps students identify educational pathways, find easy good paying degrees, and navigate the complexities of career planning, positioning them for successful entry into high-paying careers like Physician Assistant.

Conclusion

For those who seek clinical responsibility with better work-life balance than traditional physician roles, becoming a PA offers an excellent blend of meaningful patient care and exceptional compensation. Start building your foundation with science courses and healthcare experience now, and let GoodGoblin guide your journey from pre-PA student to practicing clinician in one of today's most rewarding high paying jobs.