Introduction
Physician assistants (PAs) are medical professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. They provide a variety of services, including diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, ordering laboratory tests and imaging studies, and providing patient education. As such, they play an important role in delivering healthcare to patients. But how much do PAs make an hour? This article will explore the average hourly wage of physician assistants, as well as the factors that influence their salaries.
Evaluating the Average Hourly Wage of Physician Assistants
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for physician assistants was $112,260 in May 2019. This translates to an average hourly wage of $54.04. However, wages can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, specialization, and education level.
An Overview of Physician Assistant Salaries by Hourly Rate
Physician assistant hourly wages vary widely across different regions of the country. According to the BLS, the states with the highest hourly wages for PAs are California ($71.94), Alaska ($67.77), Massachusetts ($63.19), Connecticut ($62.97), and New Jersey ($61.79). On the other hand, the states with the lowest hourly wages for PAs are Arkansas ($45.27), South Dakota ($45.61), Mississippi ($46.05), Alabama ($46.68), and West Virginia ($47.66).
Exploring Factors That Influence Physician Assistant Hourly Wages
Location is one of the main factors that influences physician assistant salaries. PAs in metropolitan areas tend to earn higher wages than those in rural areas due to the higher cost of living. In addition, the amount of experience a PA has can also affect their hourly wage. Generally, more experienced PAs tend to command higher salaries than less experienced ones. Specialization is another factor that affects physician assistant salaries. PAs who specialize in certain fields, such as cardiology or neurology, can sometimes command higher salaries than generalists. Lastly, the type of educational program that a PA completed can also have an impact on their salary. For example, PAs with master’s degrees tend to earn higher salaries than those with bachelor’s degrees.
How Much Do Physician Assistants Make Per Hour?
The average hourly wage for physician assistants is $54.04. However, this can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, specialization, and education level. It is important to note that wages can vary greatly from one region to another, so it is important to research the local labor market to determine what the going rate is for PAs in your area.
Comparing Physician Assistant Salaries Across Different Regions
When it comes to regional salary variations, the highest paying states for physician assistants are California, Alaska, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey. On the other hand, the lowest paying states are Arkansas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia. There are several benefits to working in different areas, however. For example, PAs in metropolitan areas may have access to more resources and better job opportunities than those in rural areas. In addition, living in different areas can provide PAs with the opportunity to experience different cultures, climates, and lifestyles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, physician assistants can expect to make an average hourly wage of $54.04. However, this can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, specialization, and education level. It is important to research the local labor market in order to determine what the going rate is for PAs in your area. Additionally, it is important to consider the benefits of working in different areas, as this can provide PAs with the opportunity to experience different cultures and climates.
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