PA vs MD: Who Makes More Money?
The simple answer to this question is that it varies depending on the specialty and geographical area. Generally, physicians make more money than physician assistants (PAs), but it is important to note that a physician assistant’s salary can vary depending on the specialty. In some areas, the difference between a physician and physician assistant salary is not as large as in other areas. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between PA and MD salaries to help you determine which career might be more lucrative for you.
Physician Assistant Salary
The average salary for a physician assistant (PA) is around $88,000 per year. This figure can vary significantly depending on the type of practice, geographical area, and years of experience. For example, a PA working in an orthopedic practice may earn more than a PA working in a family practice.
The median salary for PAs is highest in California, with an average salary of $118,000. PAs in California also tend to earn more in specialty practices than in primary care.
Physician Salary
Physicians typically make more money than PAs. The average salary for a physician is around $200,000 per year. This figure can vary significantly depending on the type of practice and geographical area. For example, a physician working in an orthopedic practice may earn more than a physician working in a family practice.
The median salary for physicians is highest in California, with an average salary of $250,000. Physicians in California also tend to earn more in specialty practices than in primary care.
Physician Assistant vs Physician Salary
It is clear that physicians make more money than physician assistants. The amount of money a physician assistant makes depends largely on the specialty and the geographical area. In some areas, the differences between a physician and physician assistant salary is not as large as in other areas.
Physician Assistant Salary by Specialty
The average salary for a physician assistant can vary by specialty. Here’s a breakdown of the median salary for PAs by specialty:
- Family Practice: $84,000
- Internal Medicine: $87,000
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: $90,000
- Surgery: $92,000
- Emergency Medicine: $95,000
- Pediatrics: $95,000
- Psychiatry: $99,000
- Orthopedics: $108,000
As you can see, the salary for a physician assistant can vary significantly depending on the specialty.
Physician Salary by Specialty
The average salary for a physician can also vary by specialty. Here’s a breakdown of the median salary for physicians by specialty:
- Family Practice: $174,000
- Internal Medicine: $202,000
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: $217,000
- Surgery: $250,000
- Emergency Medicine: $277,000
- Pediatrics: $193,000
- Psychiatry: $193,000
- Orthopedics: $320,000
Again, the salary for a physician can vary significantly depending on the specialty.
Factors That Affect Salary
There are a number of factors that can affect the salary of a PA or MD. This includes the type of practice, the geographical area, years of experience, and specialty.
For example, a PA working in an orthopedic practice may make more money than a PA working in a family practice. Similarly, a physician working in an orthopedic practice may make more money than a physician working in a family practice.
In addition, the geographical area can affect salaries. For example, PAs in California tend to earn more than PAs in other states. Similarly, physicians in California tend to earn more than physicians in other states.
Finally, years of experience can affect salaries. Generally, the more experience a PA or MD has, the more money they will earn.
Conclusion
In conclusion, physicians generally make more money than physician assistants. However, the amount of money a physician assistant makes depends largely on the specialty and the geographical area. In some areas, the difference between a physician and physician assistant salary is not as large as in other areas.
It is important to consider all of the factors that can affect salary, such as the type of practice, geographical area, years of experience, and specialty. By taking these factors into consideration, you can determine which career might be more lucrative for you.
FAQs
Q: Who makes more money, a physician assistant or a physician?
A: Generally, physicians make more money than physician assistants. However, the amount of money a physician assistant makes depends largely on the specialty and the geographical area.
Q: What is the average salary for a physician assistant?
A: The average salary for a physician assistant is around $88,000 per year. This figure can vary significantly depending on the type of practice, geographical area, and years of experience.
Q: What is the average salary for a physician?
A: The average salary for a physician is around $200,000 per year. This figure can vary significantly depending on the type of practice and geographical area.
Takeaway
In general, physicians make more money than physician assistants. However, the amount of money a physician assistant makes depends largely on the specialty and the geographical area. It is important to consider all of the factors that can affect salary, such as the type of practice, geographical area, years of experience, and specialty. By taking these factors into consideration, you can determine which career might be more lucrative for you.