We are still going through tough times with the economic recession. Without a doubt, a career in high demand and great income potential is paramount. A career in the medical industry is one of the safest career path to take. Job growth in the medical field is continually growing despite the economy. One of the best career choice to make right now is to become a physician assistant. A physician assistant is a health professional who is allowed to perform certain physician's duties under a doctor's supervision.
A physicians assistant has great income opportunity also. For seasoned physician assistants and graduates, job opportunities are abundant in this career field as an increase of up to 40% is expected according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently, $65,000 per year is the mean salary for a physician assistant in the United States. A physician assistant salary can vary significantly, as there are many factors to take into consideration. The amount of clinical experience is the most important factor. The physician assistant salary of a new graduate is $60,000 to $75,000 per year compared to a physician assistant with ten years experience can make $75,000 to 95,000 per year.
Specialization can affect your salary, as it involves acquiring new skills. Cardiovascular, Dermatology and Emergency Medicine are some of the top paying specialties a physician assistant can branch into. The lowest paying specialties are Endocrinology and Public Health which round out to about $80,000 per year.
Demographic is another factor that can affect your pay. Demand for physician assistants are high in New York City, Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles so they are some of the highest paying cities. Lower pay is expected in more rural areas of the United States such as Arkansas and Kansas. There is a larger job market in the top paying cities and the cost of living is higher and therefore, higher rate of pay. As the job market is much smaller in the rural areas, you can expect lower pay and more competitive in finding a good job.
In addition, your salary can vary depending on which type of facility that you work in. There is notable salary discrepancy between physician assistants working at hospitals and private clinics. Hospitals average rate of pay is $90,000 per year and a specialty clinic such as a large medical practice is over $100,000 per year. How specialized is the doctor that you work with will influence your salary. A physician assistant working with a doctor specialized in pediatrics and obstetrics earn the least at $65,000 per year, while with a doctor specialized in trauma and emergency medicine around $80,000 per year.
In conclusion, there are many methods for you to optimize your physician assistant salary. Obtaining the most updated and recent certification for your degree as a physician assistant is the most simplest way to command a higher rate of pay. As a graduate, your initial salary potential is determined by your level of education. The amount of clinical experience you have is another thing that will increase your salary.
