Physician vs Physician Assistant Salary
Side-by-side 2026 salary comparison across entry-level, mid-level, and senior pay for Physician and Physician Assistant roles in the US.
Bottom line (mid-level, US median)
Physicians earn $149,000 (133% more) than Physician Assistants on average.
Physician vs Physician Assistant by City
Healthcare
Physician
Diagnose, treat, and manage patients across primary care or specialty practice.
See Physician salaries in all cities →Healthcare
Physician Assistant
Diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and assist physicians in patient care across specialties.
See Physician Assistant salaries in all cities →Not sure which path pays better for you?
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