Physician Assistants Jobs Pay in California, CA
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $77.88 - $85.67
Average Annual Pay
Range: $161,990 - $178,189
Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.
Average Hourly Pay
Range: $77.88 - $85.67
How much does a Physician Assistant make in California, CA?
The average annual salary for a physician assistant in California, CA is $170,090 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $81.77 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $3,271 per week or $14,174 per month, depending on hours worked.
Salary range for physician assistants in California, CA
Physician Assistants salaries in California, CA can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.
While some salaries can reach as high as $178,189, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $161,990 annually.
The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for physician assistants in California, CA — about $25,513 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for physician assistants to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.
Top-paying cities for physician assistants around California, CA
While the average salary for a physician assistants in California, CA is $170,090 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.
Napa, CA
Higher than physician assistants around California, CA
Modesto, CA
Higher than physician assistants around California, CA
Bakersfield-Delano, CA
Higher than physician assistants around California, CA
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
Higher than physician assistants around California, CA
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Higher than physician assistants around California, CA
Chico, CA
Higher than physician assistants around California, CA
Based on available salary data, 2 cities report average physician assistants salaries above the statewide average.
Leading the list is Napa, followed by Modesto and Bakersfield-Delano, which also rank among the top-paying locations for physician assistants in the state.
Napa stands out with physician assistants earning around $19,984 more than the statewide average, or about 12% higher.
Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, physician assistants may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within California, CA.
Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.
Physician Assistants pay in California, CA by experience level
Salaries for physician assistants in California, CA often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.
Entry-level physician assistants (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $161,990 – $144,577 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.
Mid-level physician assistants (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $144,577 – $195,603 annually.
Experienced physician assistants (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $195,603 – $178,189 per year.
Key factors that affect pay of physician assistants in California, CA
Several factors can influence how much physician assistants earn in California, CA, even when the average salary is around $170,090 per year.
Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $144,577, while experienced professionals can make $195,603+ annually.
Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.
Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.
Together, these factors create a wide salary range for physician assistants in California, CA, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.
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