Physician Assistant Employment Forecast: Growing Demand and Career Outlook
Physician assistants (PAs), also known as physician associates, are poised for a highly rewarding and in-demand career, playing a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and expanding access to healthcare. With the ability to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care across a variety of medical specialties, PAs are essential team members in settings ranging from busy urban hospitals to rural clinics.
According to the latest Physician Assistant employment forecast, rising patient volumes and ongoing provider shortages are driving strong demand for skilled PAs. Whether your interest lies in primary care, emergency medicine, or mental health, opportunities for PAs are abundant. The 2025 Physician Assistant employment forecast highlights job outlook trends, average salaries, and the growing appeal of this dynamic healthcare career.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 28% increase in PA employment from 2023 to 2033, adding roughly 43,700 new positions. By 2033, total employment for physician assistants is expected to reach 197,100, marking one of the fastest growth rates among all occupations. Each year, about 12,900 openings are anticipated, driven by both employment growth and the need to replace PAs leaving the workforce.
In recognition of their vital role in healthcare, physician assistants consistently rank among the fastest-growing occupations. As of August 2024, the median annual wage for PAs was $130,020. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report has ranked PA jobs as one of the top healthcare roles for eight consecutive years, currently placing them at No. 2 and No. 3 among the top 100 best jobs across all professions. This positive Physician Assistant employment forecast underscores the critical contributions PAs make in enhancing patient care across diverse medical settings.
In-Demand PA Specialties
As healthcare needs become increasingly complex, physician assistants (PAs) are stepping into specialized roles to meet growing demand across a wide range of fields. From primary care to surgical subspecialties, certain PA specialties are experiencing faster growth due to rising patient volumes, provider shortages, and evolving models of care.
According to data collected from CareJobs on April 1, 2025, some of the most in-demand specialties for staff PAs, based on job postings, included:
- Cardiovascular / Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Critical Care / Intensive Care
- Emergency Medicine
- Urgent Car
- Urology
Cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgery PAs, in particular, have become highly sought-after. The CDC reports that cardiovascular disease accounts for one death every 33 seconds in the United States. Heart disease alone caused nearly 703,000 deaths in 2022, representing 1 in every 5 deaths that year. Hospitals, medical practices, and other healthcare facilities are actively seeking cardiovascular/cardiothoracic PAs to care for patients with coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and other critical cardiovascular conditions.
In-demand travel PA specialties reported on CareJobs on the same date included Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pediatric Medicine.
PA Employment Opportunities by State
States with larger populations typically offer the most opportunities for physician assistants. While California has historically led in PA employment, BLS data from May 2023 shows that New York now holds the top spot. The ten states with the highest PA employment are:
- New York: 16,690
- California: 12,880
- Florida: 9,060
- Pennsylvania: 8,730
- Texas: 8,630
- North Carolina: 8,180
- Michigan: 5,310
- Ohio: 4,190
- Massachusetts: 4,130
- Illinois: 3,890
For PAs considering relocation or travel assignments, metropolitan areas with dense populations tend to have higher demand for healthcare services, translating into more job opportunities.
The five metro areas with the largest physician assistant employment as of May 2023, per BLS data, were:
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA: 15,020
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: 3,650
- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH: 3,210
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD: 3,170
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX: 3,160
Three of these metro areas are new to the top five compared to previous years, excluding New York and Los Angeles. Fluctuations in geographic distribution for advanced practice professionals often result from demographic shifts, economic growth or decline, new healthcare facility openings, spikes in patient demand, or variations in data reporting.
The Physician Assistant employment forecast suggests continued growth in these key specialties and regions, making this an opportune time for both new and experienced PAs to explore career advancement and travel opportunities.
7 Key Factors Driving the Surge in Demand for Physician Assistants in 2025
The healthcare sector is evolving rapidly, and physician assistants (PAs) are at the forefront as advanced practice providers delivering high-quality care across multiple medical settings. According to the Physician Assistant employment forecast, 2025 is expected to see sustained growth in demand for PAs due to several critical factors. These trends not only highlight the increasing importance of PAs in healthcare but also indicate the long-term opportunities available in this dynamic profession.
1. Aging U.S. Population
As of April 2025, the baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, ranges from 60 to 78 years old. With this population aging, the demand for healthcare services is rising dramatically. Older adults often face multiple chronic conditions, require preventive care, and need regular monitoring for age-related health issues. PAs play a crucial role in meeting this growing need, providing primary care, chronic disease management, and preventive services in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings. The Physician Assistant employment forecast indicates that population aging will continue to drive steady demand for these professionals over the next decade.
2. Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases
Chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity, are becoming more widespread. The CDC estimates that over 129 million Americans live with at least one major chronic condition. Notably, five of the ten leading causes of death in the U.S. are linked to preventable or manageable chronic diseases. This growing patient population requires consistent, coordinated, and accessible healthcare services. PAs are uniquely equipped to deliver these services by managing treatment plans, providing patient education, and offering follow-up care, making them vital contributors to controlling the chronic disease burden. The Physician Assistant employment forecast suggests that this trend will continue to increase PA demand across primary care and specialty settings.
3. Expanded Healthcare Access
Healthcare reforms and legislation in recent years have improved access to medical services for millions of Americans. Expanding coverage, including Medicaid and telehealth services, has resulted in higher patient volumes and increased demand for qualified healthcare professionals. PAs, with their versatile training and ability to practice in diverse clinical environments, are critical to filling this gap. They deliver essential care in rural areas, underserved communities, and urban centers, ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality services. The National Rural Health Association recognizes PAs as a key resource for addressing rural healthcare shortages. This growing role is reflected in the Physician Assistant employment forecast, which anticipates increased hiring in both underserved and high-demand regions.
4. Ongoing Physician Shortages
Nationwide shortages of trained physicians continue to impact healthcare delivery, particularly in primary care, cardiology, obstetrics/gynecology, anesthesiology, and nephrology. According to the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW), the U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of 124,180 full-time physicians by 2023, rising to 187,130 by 2037. Physician assistants are instrumental in bridging this gap, performing many of the same functions as physicians, including diagnosing, treating, and managing patient care. The Physician Assistant employment forecast anticipates that PAs will remain in high demand for the foreseeable future, as they help alleviate provider shortages and maintain continuity of care across all healthcare settings.
5. Demand for Cost-Effective Healthcare Models
Healthcare organizations are increasingly seeking ways to maintain quality care while controlling costs. PAs provide a cost-effective solution, delivering comprehensive medical services at lower salaries than physicians without compromising care quality. Studies by the Healthcare Financial Management Association indicate that employing advanced practice providers can save hospitals up to $2,000 per complex patient case. With U.S. healthcare spending approaching $4.5 trillion in 2022, using PAs as part of cost-efficient care delivery models is a practical strategy. The Physician Assistant employment forecast highlights that this economic efficiency will continue to drive PA demand in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and integrated health systems.
6. Integration into Team-Based Care Models
Modern healthcare increasingly relies on collaborative, team-based approaches to patient care. PAs are vital members of these multidisciplinary teams, working alongside physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. By facilitating communication among team members and preventing duplicative testing, PAs improve patient outcomes while enhancing workflow efficiency. This team-based integration also aligns with value-based care initiatives, further solidifying the role of PAs in healthcare. The Physician Assistant employment forecast predicts that as team-based care models expand, the demand for PAs will grow, particularly in hospital systems and integrated practices.
7. Challenges of Single-State Licenses and Interstate Practice
Currently, PAs must obtain a separate license to practice in each state, which can be cumbersome, costly, and time-consuming—especially for those practicing telehealth or travel PA jobs. These licensing restrictions can limit patient access to care and restrict workforce flexibility. To address this, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is advocating for a PA licensure compact, allowing PAs to hold one license in a participating state and practice across other compact states. If widely adopted, this initiative will significantly increase PA mobility, expand access to care, and further boost the Physician Assistant employment forecast by opening new opportunities for PAs nationwide.
Conclusion:
The 2025 Physician Assistant employment forecast underscores a growing need for skilled, versatile PAs across all healthcare settings. Factors such as an aging population, rising chronic disease prevalence, expanded access to healthcare, physician shortages, cost-effective care initiatives, team-based care models, and interstate licensure reforms all contribute to a sustained surge in PA demand. For aspiring and practicing physician assistants, these trends indicate strong job security, career growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care across the country.
Physician Assistant Salaries: What to Expect in 2025
As the Physician Assistant employment forecast shows strong growth and demand for PAs across the U.S., understanding potential salaries is a key factor for anyone considering or advancing in this profession. Physician assistants enjoy competitive compensation that reflects their critical role in delivering high-quality healthcare, bridging physician shortages, and managing patient care across diverse clinical settings.
National Average PA Pay
Based on data collected by CareJobs on April 1, 2025, the national average hourly rate for staff PAs was approximately $86.30 per hour, highlighting the value employers place on these advanced practice providers. Annually, this translates to roughly $179,000 for full-time staff PAs, depending on hours worked, location, and specialty. The Physician Assistant employment forecast indicates that salaries are likely to increase further as demand rises, particularly in regions with critical provider shortages or high patient volumes.
Regional Variations in PA Salaries
Compensation for physician assistants varies widely across states, influenced by cost of living, local healthcare needs, and competition for qualified providers. For example:
- California: Staff PAs earned an average of $94 per hour, with top earners making up to $107 per hour. This high pay reflects the state’s large patient population and strong demand for specialized care.
- Georgia: Staff PAs earned an average of $58 per hour, demonstrating notable regional disparities.
- Travel PA Positions: For PAs working on travel contracts, the average weekly pay nationwide was approximately $4,109, according to CareJobs data from the same date. Travel assignments offer additional benefits, including housing stipends, travel allowances, and flexible schedules, which can enhance overall compensation.
The Physician Assistant employment forecast suggests that as healthcare organizations continue to face staffing shortages, these rates may trend upward, particularly for travel positions and high-demand regions.
Highest-Paying PA Specialties
One of the most significant factors impacting PA salaries is specialty. PAs can work in over 60 specialties, many of which command higher pay due to specialized skills, increased responsibility, or critical demand. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ 2024 report on top-earning specialties:
- Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery: Median annual salary of $158,470; represents just 2.4% of total PA employment but offers the highest pay in the profession.
- Dermatology: Median salary of $150,000 per year.
- Emergency Medicine: Median salary of $141,440 per year.
CareJobs data from April 1, 2025, mirrors these trends:
- Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic PAs: $90.43 per hour on average
- Emergency Medicine PAs: $84.81 per hour on average
- Dermatology PAs: $76.27 per hour on average
Specialized roles like these not only provide higher salaries but also offer the opportunity to gain expertise in high-demand areas, positioning PAs for career advancement, leadership opportunities, and long-term stability.
Factors Influencing PA Compensation
Several elements impact how much a PA earns, including:
- Experience Level: Entry-level PAs may earn less, while those with 5–10 years of experience or additional certifications can command higher rates.
- Geographic Location: High-cost states like California, New York, and Massachusetts tend to offer elevated salaries. Conversely, lower-cost states may have reduced pay but lower living expenses.
- Practice Setting: PAs working in hospitals, specialty clinics, or surgical centers generally earn more than those in outpatient or community care settings.
- Certifications and Skills: Additional certifications in specialties like cardiovascular surgery, emergency medicine, or dermatology can significantly boost earning potential.
Projected Salary Growth
As the Physician Assistant employment forecast indicates, the demand for PAs is expected to grow by 28% from 2023 to 2033, one of the fastest growth rates among all healthcare occupations. With this increasing demand, salaries are likely to rise, particularly for in-demand specialties, travel positions, and roles in underserved areas. PAs who pursue advanced certifications, continue their education, and work in high-demand specialties are well-positioned to maximize their earning potential over the next decade.
For aspiring and current PAs, understanding salary expectations is a crucial part of career planning. Competitive pay, coupled with high demand and diverse specialty opportunities, makes a career as a PA financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling. The Physician Assistant employment forecast highlights the stability, flexibility, and long-term growth potential of this advanced healthcare role.
Start exploring PA job opportunities on CareJobs today to find positions that match your experience, desired specialty, and compensation goals.
