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Physician Assistants Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physician Assistants make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$165,650
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.8% vs 2024
$169,110
Mean Salary
$165,650
Median Salary
$79.64
Hourly Rate
13,600 people work as Physician Assistants in California

Physician Assistants salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Physician Assistants salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physician Assistants in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $99,380$99,38025th25% earn less than $136,730$136,730MedianHalf earn more than $165,650$165,65075th75% earn less than $206,990$206,99090thTop 10% earn more than $225,190$225,190

Physician Assistants in California earn a median salary of $165,650 per year ($13,804/month). This is 21.8% above the national average of $136,050. California ranks #2 out of 51 states for Physician Assistants pay. Approximately 13,600 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 2.8% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
4.0
Speaking
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Medicine and Dentistry
5.0
Biology
4.81
English Language
4.62
Psychology
4.57
Therapy and Counseling
4.5
Typical Education: Master's Degree (81.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Physician Assistants in California

Salaries for Physician Assistants in California range from $99,380 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $225,190 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $136,730 and $206,990.

Median $165,650
P10: $99,380 P25: $136,730 P75: $206,990 P90: $225,190
10th
$99,380
25th
$136,730
Median
$165,650
75th
$206,990
90th
$225,190
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $99,380 $47.78 $8,281
25th Percentile $136,730 $65.74 $11,394
Median (50th) $165,650 $79.64 $13,804
75th Percentile $206,990 $99.51 $17,249
90th Percentile (Experienced) $225,190 $108.26 $18,765

Note: The mean (average) salary of $169,110 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
California ranks #2 of 51 states
$136,050
National avg. for Physician Assistants
+21.8%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Physician Assistants salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Physician Assistants take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Physician Assistants Data in California

Physician Assistants Salary by State

Compare Physician Assistants pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physician Assistants make in California?
The median annual salary for Physician Assistants in California is $165,650 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $169,110.
What is the salary range for a Physician Assistants in California?
Salaries for Physician Assistants in California range from $99,380 at the 10th percentile to $225,190 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $136,730 and $206,990.
What is the starting salary for a Physician Assistants in California?
Entry-level Physician Assistants positions in California typically start around $99,380 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $136,730 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physician Assistants in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 13,600 people are employed as Physician Assistants in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Physician Assistants in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physician Assistants in California is approximately $79.64 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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