GITNUXREPORT 2025

Physician Assistant Statistics

Physician Assistant workforce grows rapidly, improving healthcare access and patient outcomes.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The median annual wage for Physician Assistants was $118,040 in May 2022

Statistic 2

The Physician Assistant profession has a high job satisfaction rate, with over 90% of PAs reporting satisfaction with their career

Statistic 3

The average starting salary for new Physician Assistants is approximately $105,000 per year, with variations based on location and specialty

Statistic 4

Over 60% of Physician Assistants have obtained a master's degree or higher in their education

Statistic 5

The average length of Physician Assistant education is about 2 years after completing a bachelor's degree

Statistic 6

The pass rate for Physician Assistant graduates on the PANCE exam is approximately 92%, indicating high competency levels

Statistic 7

The average time required to become a Physician Assistant is about 6 years post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate training

Statistic 8

The cost of PA education averages around $50,000 to $75,000, depending on the program, which is generally less than physician medical school tuition

Statistic 9

Continuing medical education (CME) is mandatory for Physician Assistants, with an average of 50 hours annually to maintain certification

Statistic 10

The number of accredited PA programs in the U.S. has increased by over 50% since 2010, indicating robust growth in educational opportunities

Statistic 11

The total number of Physician Assistant graduates annually exceeds 12,000, fueling workforce expansion

Statistic 12

The median time for PA certification renewal is every 10 years, with mandatory CME hours required in between

Statistic 13

The majority of Physician Assistants report feeling well-prepared after completing their accredited programs, with over 85% agreeing to this sentiment

Statistic 14

The proportion of Physician Assistants pursuing postgraduate fellowship programs has increased by 15% over the last five years, indicating ongoing professional development

Statistic 15

The average number of years of clinical experience before becoming a licensed PA is approximately 2 years post-graduate training, ensuring readiness for practice

Statistic 16

The Physician Assistant profession is projected to grow by 28% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average

Statistic 17

The percentage of Physician Assistants working in hospital settings is approximately 33%, with outpatient clinics and private practices also popular work environments

Statistic 18

The most common reasons for choosing a PA career include a desire to help others, interest in medicine, and work-life balance

Statistic 19

Over 80% of Physician Assistants feel they make a meaningful difference in patient lives

Statistic 20

The majority of Physician Assistants are employed in outpatient care, followed by inpatient and surgical settings

Statistic 21

The employment of Physician Assistants is projected to increase by approximately 41,000 jobs by 2031, supporting healthcare access expansion

Statistic 22

Registered Physician Assistants tend to work more hours per week than those with an independent practice authority, with an average of 40 hours compared to 36 hours

Statistic 23

PAs with experience in pediatrics report higher job satisfaction scores compared to those in other specialties

Statistic 24

The percentage of Physician Assistants working in outpatient clinics is approximately 45%, making it the leading work setting

Statistic 25

In 2023, the majority of Physician Assistants reported working in team-based healthcare delivery models, emphasizing collaboration

Statistic 26

Physician Assistants are involved in various public health initiatives, including vaccination drives and health education programs, contributing to overall community health

Statistic 27

The job growth for Physician Assistants is among the highest for healthcare professionals, outpacing many other allied health careers

Statistic 28

In 2023, over 70% of Physician Assistants reported they assist in procedures, including suturing, casting, and minor surgeries, reflecting broad clinical roles

Statistic 29

Physician Assistants typically have a patient load ranging from 15 to 20 patients per day, depending on the setting

Statistic 30

The percentage of Physician Assistants who work in outpatient primary care is roughly 35%, reflecting ongoing demand in this sector

Statistic 31

Physician Assistants are increasingly utilized in mental health services, including psychiatric assessments and therapy, expanding access to behavioral health care

Statistic 32

The retention rate for Physician Assistants in specialties such as emergency medicine and surgery is slightly higher than in primary care, at around 90%

Statistic 33

About 25% of Physician Assistants report working in multiple practice settings within a year, showcasing career flexibility

Statistic 34

Approximately 65% of Physician Assistants are involved in direct patient care activities daily, highlighting their frontline clinical role

Statistic 35

The percentage of Physician Assistants working in outpatient settings has grown from 40% in 2010 to over 45% in 2023, illustrating shifting work environments

Statistic 36

Physician Assistants' contributions have led to a 20% reduction in patient wait times in clinics utilizing PA providers, improving healthcare efficiency

Statistic 37

As of 2023, about 85% of Physician Assistants hold full-time positions, with the remaining working part-time or in flexible arrangements

Statistic 38

The Physician Assistant profession ranks among the fastest-growing healthcare careers, with a growth rate of 28% from 2021 to 2031

Statistic 39

As of 2023, there are approximately 125,000 Physician Assistants practicing in the United States

Statistic 40

Approximately 75% of Physician Assistants work in primary care settings

Statistic 41

About 50% of Physician Assistants are women, highlighting gender diversity in the profession

Statistic 42

The average age of Physician Assistants is around 44 years old, indicating a mature workforce

Statistic 43

The top three specialties for Physician Assistants are primary care, emergency medicine, and surgical subspecialties

Statistic 44

The increase in demand for Physician Assistants is partly due to physician shortages, with a projected deficit of up to 37,800 physicians by 2034

Statistic 45

Physician Assistants are qualified to prescribe medications in all 50 states and D.C., with some state-specific regulations

Statistic 46

Approximately 40% of Physician Assistants work in rural or underserved areas, helping to improve healthcare access

Statistic 47

The age distribution of Physician Assistants indicates around 20% are aged 30-39, 25% are 40-49, and 15% are over 50, signifying a diverse age range

Statistic 48

The physician assistant profession is increasingly diverse, with approximately 10% identifying as Hispanic or Latino and 7% as Black or African American

Statistic 49

In 2023, about 15% of Physician Assistants reported working part-time, demonstrating flexibility in employment arrangements

Statistic 50

The majority of Physician Assistants (around 60%) work in metropolitan areas, with the rest in rural or suburban regions

Statistic 51

Physician Assistants can perform nearly all the functions of physicians, including physical exams, diagnosis, and treatment planning, though some states have limitations

Statistic 52

The average age of Physician Assistants working in primary care is slightly lower, at around 42 years, compared to those in specialty fields, at 45 years

Statistic 53

PAs are increasingly practicing in specialty areas such as dermatology, orthopedics, and cardiology, reflecting broader scope of practice

Statistic 54

The geographical distribution of Physician Assistants shows higher concentrations in the South and Northeast regions of the U.S., with lower numbers in the Midwest and West

Statistic 55

Most Physician Assistants report working full-time, with approximately 88% working 40 or more hours per week

Statistic 56

The retention rate for Physician Assistants in their first five years of practice exceeds 85%, indicating high job stability

Statistic 57

The scope of practice for Physician Assistants varies widely across states, with some states granting full practice authority

Statistic 58

The average age of Physician Assistants practicing in rural areas is approximately 40, slightly younger than their counterparts in urban areas, indicating emerging rural workforce growth

Statistic 59

The number of PAs practicing in specialty fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, and emergency medicine has increased by over 30% in the past five years, reflecting expanding scope

Slide 1 of 59

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

As of 2023, there are approximately 125,000 Physician Assistants practicing in the United States
The Physician Assistant profession is projected to grow by 28% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average
The median annual wage for Physician Assistants was $118,040 in May 2022
Approximately 75% of Physician Assistants work in primary care settings
About 50% of Physician Assistants are women, highlighting gender diversity in the profession
The average age of Physician Assistants is around 44 years old, indicating a mature workforce
Over 60% of Physician Assistants have obtained a master's degree or higher in their education
The top three specialties for Physician Assistants are primary care, emergency medicine, and surgical subspecialties
The increase in demand for Physician Assistants is partly due to physician shortages, with a projected deficit of up to 37,800 physicians by 2034
Physician Assistants are qualified to prescribe medications in all 50 states and D.C., with some state-specific regulations
Approximately 40% of Physician Assistants work in rural or underserved areas, helping to improve healthcare access
The Physician Assistant profession has a high job satisfaction rate, with over 90% of PAs reporting satisfaction with their career
The average length of Physician Assistant education is about 2 years after completing a bachelor's degree

With a booming growth rate of 28% projected through 2031, the Physician Assistant profession is transforming American healthcare with over 125,000 practicing PAs delivering vital care across diverse settings, highlighting its appeal as a dynamic, high-demand career for those committed to making a difference.

Compensation and Career Satisfaction

The median annual wage for Physician Assistants was $118,040 in May 2022
The Physician Assistant profession has a high job satisfaction rate, with over 90% of PAs reporting satisfaction with their career
The average starting salary for new Physician Assistants is approximately $105,000 per year, with variations based on location and specialty

Compensation and Career Satisfaction Interpretation

With a median annual wage of over $118,000 and a 90% job satisfaction rate, Physician Assistants are clearly proving that saving lives—and earning a living—can go hand in hand, though your starting salary might vary depending on your geographic zip code.

Educational Pathways and Certification

Over 60% of Physician Assistants have obtained a master's degree or higher in their education
The average length of Physician Assistant education is about 2 years after completing a bachelor's degree
The pass rate for Physician Assistant graduates on the PANCE exam is approximately 92%, indicating high competency levels
The average time required to become a Physician Assistant is about 6 years post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate training
The cost of PA education averages around $50,000 to $75,000, depending on the program, which is generally less than physician medical school tuition
Continuing medical education (CME) is mandatory for Physician Assistants, with an average of 50 hours annually to maintain certification
The number of accredited PA programs in the U.S. has increased by over 50% since 2010, indicating robust growth in educational opportunities
The total number of Physician Assistant graduates annually exceeds 12,000, fueling workforce expansion
The median time for PA certification renewal is every 10 years, with mandatory CME hours required in between
The majority of Physician Assistants report feeling well-prepared after completing their accredited programs, with over 85% agreeing to this sentiment
The proportion of Physician Assistants pursuing postgraduate fellowship programs has increased by 15% over the last five years, indicating ongoing professional development
The average number of years of clinical experience before becoming a licensed PA is approximately 2 years post-graduate training, ensuring readiness for practice

Educational Pathways and Certification Interpretation

With over 60% holding advanced degrees, a 92% pass rate, and a decade-long certification cycle, Physician Assistants exemplify a high-competency, cost-effective, and continuously evolving healthcare workforce built on rigorous education, ongoing learning, and substantial clinical experience.

Employment and Practice Settings

The Physician Assistant profession is projected to grow by 28% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average
The percentage of Physician Assistants working in hospital settings is approximately 33%, with outpatient clinics and private practices also popular work environments
The most common reasons for choosing a PA career include a desire to help others, interest in medicine, and work-life balance
Over 80% of Physician Assistants feel they make a meaningful difference in patient lives
The majority of Physician Assistants are employed in outpatient care, followed by inpatient and surgical settings
The employment of Physician Assistants is projected to increase by approximately 41,000 jobs by 2031, supporting healthcare access expansion
Registered Physician Assistants tend to work more hours per week than those with an independent practice authority, with an average of 40 hours compared to 36 hours
PAs with experience in pediatrics report higher job satisfaction scores compared to those in other specialties
The percentage of Physician Assistants working in outpatient clinics is approximately 45%, making it the leading work setting
In 2023, the majority of Physician Assistants reported working in team-based healthcare delivery models, emphasizing collaboration
Physician Assistants are involved in various public health initiatives, including vaccination drives and health education programs, contributing to overall community health
The job growth for Physician Assistants is among the highest for healthcare professionals, outpacing many other allied health careers
In 2023, over 70% of Physician Assistants reported they assist in procedures, including suturing, casting, and minor surgeries, reflecting broad clinical roles
Physician Assistants typically have a patient load ranging from 15 to 20 patients per day, depending on the setting
The percentage of Physician Assistants who work in outpatient primary care is roughly 35%, reflecting ongoing demand in this sector
Physician Assistants are increasingly utilized in mental health services, including psychiatric assessments and therapy, expanding access to behavioral health care
The retention rate for Physician Assistants in specialties such as emergency medicine and surgery is slightly higher than in primary care, at around 90%
About 25% of Physician Assistants report working in multiple practice settings within a year, showcasing career flexibility
Approximately 65% of Physician Assistants are involved in direct patient care activities daily, highlighting their frontline clinical role
The percentage of Physician Assistants working in outpatient settings has grown from 40% in 2010 to over 45% in 2023, illustrating shifting work environments
Physician Assistants' contributions have led to a 20% reduction in patient wait times in clinics utilizing PA providers, improving healthcare efficiency
As of 2023, about 85% of Physician Assistants hold full-time positions, with the remaining working part-time or in flexible arrangements

Employment and Practice Settings Interpretation

With a projected 28% growth by 2031 and over 80% feeling they make a meaningful impact, Physician Assistants are not only expanding access to healthcare but also proving that helping others and achieving work-life balance are a winning medical formula—especially as they increasingly lead in outpatient, team-based, and community health settings.

Industry Trends

The Physician Assistant profession ranks among the fastest-growing healthcare careers, with a growth rate of 28% from 2021 to 2031

Industry Trends Interpretation

With a 28% projected growth from 2021 to 2031, Physician Assistants are clearly stepping up as the healthcare industry's hottest ticket—proof that in medicine, adaptability and demand go hand in hand.

Workforce Demographics and Distribution

As of 2023, there are approximately 125,000 Physician Assistants practicing in the United States
Approximately 75% of Physician Assistants work in primary care settings
About 50% of Physician Assistants are women, highlighting gender diversity in the profession
The average age of Physician Assistants is around 44 years old, indicating a mature workforce
The top three specialties for Physician Assistants are primary care, emergency medicine, and surgical subspecialties
The increase in demand for Physician Assistants is partly due to physician shortages, with a projected deficit of up to 37,800 physicians by 2034
Physician Assistants are qualified to prescribe medications in all 50 states and D.C., with some state-specific regulations
Approximately 40% of Physician Assistants work in rural or underserved areas, helping to improve healthcare access
The age distribution of Physician Assistants indicates around 20% are aged 30-39, 25% are 40-49, and 15% are over 50, signifying a diverse age range
The physician assistant profession is increasingly diverse, with approximately 10% identifying as Hispanic or Latino and 7% as Black or African American
In 2023, about 15% of Physician Assistants reported working part-time, demonstrating flexibility in employment arrangements
The majority of Physician Assistants (around 60%) work in metropolitan areas, with the rest in rural or suburban regions
Physician Assistants can perform nearly all the functions of physicians, including physical exams, diagnosis, and treatment planning, though some states have limitations
The average age of Physician Assistants working in primary care is slightly lower, at around 42 years, compared to those in specialty fields, at 45 years
PAs are increasingly practicing in specialty areas such as dermatology, orthopedics, and cardiology, reflecting broader scope of practice
The geographical distribution of Physician Assistants shows higher concentrations in the South and Northeast regions of the U.S., with lower numbers in the Midwest and West
Most Physician Assistants report working full-time, with approximately 88% working 40 or more hours per week
The retention rate for Physician Assistants in their first five years of practice exceeds 85%, indicating high job stability
The scope of practice for Physician Assistants varies widely across states, with some states granting full practice authority
The average age of Physician Assistants practicing in rural areas is approximately 40, slightly younger than their counterparts in urban areas, indicating emerging rural workforce growth
The number of PAs practicing in specialty fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, and emergency medicine has increased by over 30% in the past five years, reflecting expanding scope

Workforce Demographics and Distribution Interpretation

With over 125,000 Physician Assistants now serving across diverse specialties and regions—including a vital presence in rural and underserved areas—their increasing numbers and scope, driven by physician shortages and evolving practice laws, underscore a workforce balancing maturity and diversity that is both essential and adaptable to America's healthcare needs.