National Salary Overview
VS
Purchasing Managers earns $573 more (0.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$128,246
$128,820
Average (Mean) Salary
$128,185
$136,460
Total Employment
145,290
77,350
States with Higher Pay
21
27
Salary by State: Physician Assistants vs Purchasing Managers
Showing 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physician Assistants pays more in 21 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 27.
| State | Physician Assistants | Purchasing Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $97,360 | $124,130 | $-26,770 | ||
| Alaska | $141,020 | $107,380 | +$33,640 | ||
| Arizona | $130,270 | $134,800 | $-4,530 | ||
| Arkansas | $99,220 | $108,850 | $-9,630 | ||
| California | $157,490 | $153,510 | +$3,980 | ||
| Colorado | $128,800 | $153,980 | $-25,180 | ||
| Connecticut | $140,880 | $129,760 | +$11,120 | ||
| District of Columbia | $124,350 | $163,240 | $-38,890 | ||
| Florida | $125,600 | $131,740 | $-6,140 | ||
| Georgia | $113,200 | $131,670 | $-18,470 | ||
| Hawaii | $141,350 | $109,660 | +$31,690 | ||
| Idaho | $122,690 | $104,890 | +$17,800 | ||
| Illinois | $118,400 | $136,930 | $-18,530 | ||
| Indiana | $125,250 | $113,330 | +$11,920 | ||
| Iowa | $128,960 | $114,340 | +$14,620 | ||
| Kansas | $116,970 | $131,380 | $-14,410 | ||
| Kentucky | $103,490 | $109,990 | $-6,500 | ||
| Louisiana | $123,290 | $108,570 | +$14,720 | ||
| Maine | $131,540 | $128,010 | +$3,530 | ||
| Maryland | $127,810 | $145,600 | $-17,790 | ||
| Massachusetts | $135,720 | $154,760 | $-19,040 | ||
| Michigan | $126,890 | $134,970 | $-8,080 | ||
| Minnesota | $131,290 | $139,790 | $-8,500 | ||
| Missouri | $134,670 | $135,720 | $-1,050 | ||
| Montana | $131,340 | $103,000 | +$28,340 | ||
| Nebraska | $125,090 | $124,190 | +$900 | ||
| Nevada | $158,720 | $104,380 | +$54,340 | ||
| New Hampshire | $132,980 | $140,290 | $-7,310 | ||
| New Jersey | $137,100 | $168,210 | $-31,110 | ||
| New Mexico | $131,930 | $131,600 | +$330 | ||
| New York | $137,490 | $165,930 | $-28,440 | ||
| North Carolina | $126,480 | $129,140 | $-2,660 | ||
| North Dakota | $132,660 | $134,400 | $-1,740 | ||
| Ohio | $122,180 | $128,500 | $-6,320 | ||
| Oklahoma | $126,080 | $106,730 | +$19,350 | ||
| Oregon | $134,740 | $126,330 | +$8,410 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $119,170 | $134,010 | $-14,840 | ||
| Rhode Island | $126,920 | $139,100 | $-12,180 | ||
| South Carolina | $114,710 | $113,110 | +$1,600 | ||
| South Dakota | $121,070 | $126,310 | $-5,240 | ||
| Tennessee | $111,540 | $122,270 | $-10,730 | ||
| Texas | $131,080 | $128,960 | +$2,120 | ||
| Utah | $128,060 | $119,370 | +$8,690 | ||
| Vermont | $135,710 | $96,110 | +$39,600 | ||
| Virginia | $121,980 | $153,600 | $-31,620 | ||
| Washington | $156,930 | $154,190 | +$2,740 | ||
| West Virginia | $120,820 | $132,350 | $-11,530 | ||
| Wisconsin | $128,580 | $121,880 | +$6,700 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Physician Assistants or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Purchasing Managers earns more than a Physician Assistants. The national median salary difference is $573 (0.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Physician Assistants earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Physician Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 21 out of 48 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 27 states.
What is the median salary for a Physician Assistants vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Physician Assistants is $128,246 per year, compared to $128,820 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physician Assistants or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Physician Assistants. BLS reports approximately 145,290 Physician Assistants positions and 77,350 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Physician Assistants or Purchasing Managers?
Both Physician Assistants and Purchasing Managers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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