Currently, we are in the age of progress, where everything is advancing rapidly. And the healthcare profession is no different in this progression. Hence, due to this rapid advancement, physician assistants have become increasingly vital in the healthcare industry. As we know, the United States is currently facing a critical shortage of healthcare workers. Hence, the demand for physician assistants is now more than ever. 

Furthermore, with the rapidly growing population, with baby boomers reaching over 60, the demand for healthcare professionals, including PAs, is on the rise. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment rate of physician assistants is projected to grow by 28% in the coming decade. This is much faster than the average rate of all other occupations. 

So, if you are considering pursuing a career as a physician assistant, understanding salary trends, job openings, and future opportunities is essential for fulfilling career growth. Physician assistant jobs have an excellent career prospects with several opportunities for growth and advancement, along with better financial perks. 

Career and Job Openings for Physician Assistants

Physician assistants are responsible for assisting doctors in diagnosing, treating, and even performing minor surgical procedures. This indicates their wider role in the healthcare industry. Due to this, their responsibilities often overlap with NPs, surgical tech jobs, and other allied healthcare professions. Hence, the future outlook for physician assistants is quite promising.

However, this job prospect can vary based on several factors. The demand for physician assistants is particularly high in rural and underserved areas. This is due to their wider scope of job, bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility. Employers in small cities prefer hiring physician assistants rather than multiple healthcare professionals for different modalities. But that does not mean their demand is lower in urban areas. Physician assistants are rising in demand in urban areas as well due to the insurmountable workload. 

So, if you are searching for physician assistant jobs near me, there are plenty of job openings available in all circumstances. However, finding the most suitable job can be tough. You can connect with the best healthcare staffing agency in your location to rectify this problem. They will help find hospital jobs that align perfectly with your career goals. The following are some healthcare settings where you can find physician assistant jobs:

• Hospitals and large healthcare facilities in urban areas
• Private clinics and healthcare facilities
• Specialty clinics
• Dermatologist offices
• Plastic surgery clinics and medical facilities
• General medicine practitioners
• Emergency and critical care units
• Short-term travel physician assistant assignments
• Remote jobs for physician assistants

What is a Physician Assistant Salary?

As the demand for physician assistants rises in the healthcare sector, employers are increasingly offering highly competitive salaries to physician assistants with several financial benefits. However, the actual physician assistant salary is determined based on their location, specialization, and experience. The average physician assistant salary is expected to go up to $120,212 per year, while the top earners as general physician assistants can maximize their earning potential up to $177,500 per year.  However, certain specializations can bring the mark even further up to $400,000 per year. Hence, it is essential to follow the right strategies and grow in specific specializations to maximize your earning potential. 

In-Demand Specializations for Physician Assistants

The demand for physician assistants surpasses any other occupation. Specializations always pay off, and this is exceptionally true in the case of physician assistant jobs. Mostly, specializations add a few perks with a little higher salary expectations. However, there are certain specializations in physician assistant jobs that pay exceptionally well. These include:

Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants

These jobs are high in demand, especially in ER and trauma centers. Physician assistants in such roles often work with life and death situations. Due to this, their salaries can go up to $290,916 per year on average. However, the top earners can maximize earnings up to $400,000. 

Plastic Surgery Physician Assistant Jobs

With the growing demand for cosmetic surgery, breast cancer, and scar removal, plastic surgery is surging in popularity. And with this rise, physician assistants are becoming more in-demand in plastic surgery clinics and hospitals. The average salary of plastic surgery physician assistant jobs goes up to $164,097 per year. However, the highest earners can get up to $340,500.

Dermatology Physician Assistant Jobs

Due to the increased risk of skin cancer, allergies, eczema, and cystic acne, physician assistants are more in demand in dermatologist offices. Since the focus on skin health is rapidly growing, physician assistants in dermatology clinics are offered highly competitive salaries. The average physician assistant salary in dermatology is $169,157 per year, which can go up to $399,500.

Surgical Physician Assistant Jobs

There is a growing need for physician assistants in general surgery and cardiology departments. These highly experienced professionals perform minor surgeries in the operating room under the strict supervision of surgeons. Due to this, their salary expectations are quite high. The average salary is around $164,097 per year, but it can often reach up to $340,500 annually. 

Pediatric Physician Assistants

Neonatal and pediatric specializations are highly in demand, especially in children’s hospitals. Due to the critical nature of the job, pediatric physician assistants are well compensated. The average salary of pediatric physician assistants is estimated to be around $168,882 per year, which can reach up to $280,000 for top earners.

Family Medicine Physician Assistants

PA jobs are highly demanding for providing primary care to patients in different medical settings. Due to the critical shortage of physicians, physician assistants are the second in line to take charge in primary care units. The average physician assistant salary is $120,212 per year. The top earners can maximize their earnings up to $177,500 annually.

Physician assistants have plenty of opportunities to specialize and advance in their careers. However, finding the right job and specialization as per your interest and career goals can be an overwhelming task. Hence, the right strategy is to connect with a healthcare staffing agency. They can help you find the best physician assistant job offering a competitive salary and also help you choose the right specializations according to your preferences. 

Are There Travel Physician Assistant Jobs Available?

Travel jobs are a great alternative to hospital jobs. They have high earning potential and offer flexibility in working schedules. Travel physician assistant jobs offer comparatively higher salaries due to urgent needs and short-term contracts. Travel PA jobs are especially in demand in rural areas, temporary staffing circumstances, family medicine, in-home care, and emergency medicine settings.

Another reason for higher salaries is the additional financial benefits. Travel jobs often come with a living stipend, accommodation allowance, sign-up bonuses, travel reimbursement, and many more perks. If you want to maximize your earning potential, taking multiple travel jobs—one after another—can help you earn more. However, make sure to take breaks to avoid burnout.

Final Thoughts 

Physician assistant jobs have a very promising job outlook with numerous opportunities. The future for physician assistants is very bright, with several paths for specializations, maximizing their earning potential. A career as a physician assistant can offer a competitive salary and a very fulfilling experience. If you are considering a career in physician assistant jobs, you have plenty of job openings and future growth opportunities. But make sure the job you choose aligns perfectly with your expertise and career goals.

Explore physician assistant job opportunities with the best healthcare staffing agency and start your career toward success!