Physician Assistant Salary: Do Male and Female PAs Earn the Same?

In a field where 71.2% of Physician Assistants are women, a significant pay gap still exists. The average income for PAs is $123,490, yet data shows that female PAs earn approximately $113,882 compared to $161,778 for their male counterparts. This means women earn roughly $0.70 for every $1.00 men make as PAs, highlighting a persistent gender disparity in earnings.

Despite a 9.1% increase in overall PA salaries from 2019 to 2023 and a rise in the percentage of PAs earning over $200,000, this pay gap has remained largely unchanged. Specialty choice and years of experience are significant factors in income variation. High-paying specialties like Dermatology and Emergency Medicine, along with PAs who have over 6 years of experience, tend to command higher salaries.

The gender pay gap may stem from various factors, including differences in specialty choice, negotiation practices, and career interruptions often faced by women. Addressing these disparities is essential to ensure that the profession values all PAs equally, regardless of gender. As the healthcare field evolves, fostering transparency in salaries and supporting fair pay practices can pave the way for a more equitable profession.