Highest Paying PA Specialties: Top Career Options

• The choice of specialty plays a major role in a PA’s earning potential, with high-paying fields like surgery, oncology, and emergency medicine offering greater compensation.
• PAs have the opportunity to make a real impact on patient care, and the role offers a good balance of job satisfaction and a competitive salary.
• Specializing in certain fields and obtaining relevant certifications can further boost salary and career growth.

A physician assistant (PA) is a highly trained healthcare professional who works alongside doctors to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care. PAs can specialize in many fields, from surgery to emergency medicine, and your chosen specialty can significantly impact your earning potential.

With some specialties offering higher salaries due to their complexity and demand, the role of a PA can be both rewarding and financially fulfilling. If you’re considering a career in healthcare, exploring the highest-paying PA specialties before becoming a PA is a step you don’t want to overlook.

Top 10 Highest Paying PA Specialties

Salaries for PAs vary across specialties, reflecting the complexity and responsibilities inherent in each role. Below is an overview of some of the highest-paying PA specialties, highlighting their typical duties and compensation.

Cardiovascular Surgery

Cardiovascular surgery PAs work alongside surgeons in high-risk procedures involving the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Their role includes preoperative evaluations, assisting during surgery, and managing post-surgical care to monitor patient recovery and prevent complications. They perform tasks such as:

• Closing incisions
• Inserting chest tubes
• Ensuring patients are stable after surgery

This specialty requires knowledge of cardiovascular physiology and surgical techniques, as well as the ability to work under pressure. Given the complexity of these cases, PAs in this field often work long hours, including nights and weekends, and must be prepared for emergencies. 

The demanding nature of the job reflects the critical care required for cardiac patients. However, the expertise and commitment needed for this role come with significant financial rewards, making PA cardiovascular surgery a worthwhile career.

Average annual salary: $213,000

Dermatology

Dermatology PAs handle everything from everyday skin concerns like acne and eczema to more serious conditions such as melanoma. They perform:

• Skin exams
• Biopsies
• Minor procedures (mole removals and cyst excisions)

Many also assist with cosmetic treatments like laser therapy, Botox, and fillers, making this a mix of medical and aesthetic care.

One of the biggest perks of dermatology is the work-life balance. Unlike high-intensity specialties, most dermatology PAs enjoy predictable office hours with minimal emergencies. The demand for dermatological care continues to rise, both for medical and cosmetic reasons, ensuring steady job opportunities and competitive salaries. 

This combination of specialized expertise, patient demand, and a comfortable work schedule makes this one of the most sought-after PA specialties, with a solid salary.

Average annual salary: $169,000 

Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine PAs are on the front lines of patient care, handling everything from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies. They perform the following tasks:

• Assess patients
• Order and interpret tests
• Stitch wounds
• Set fractures
• Help stabilize those in critical condition

Quick thinking and staying calm under pressure are essential skills in this field.

Since emergency departments never close, PAs often work in shifts, covering nights, weekends, and holidays. While the schedule can be unpredictable, it also offers flexibility. The fast-paced nature of the job means no two days are the same, making it exciting for those who thrive in high-energy environments.

The challenging workload and intense decision-making are well compensated, with emergency medicine offering lucrative salaries for PAs.

Average annual salary: $290,000

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery PAs specialize in treating injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. They assist in surgeries like:

• Joint replacements
• Fracture repairs
• Minimally invasive procedures

Outside the OR, they examine patients, order and interpret X-rays and MRIs, and help create rehab plans to get patients moving again.

This field can be physically demanding, requiring long hours on your feet in surgery and hands-on work with patients. However, for those who enjoy a mix of surgery and patient care, it’s a rewarding and in-demand specialty. 

Orthopedic PAs often work in hospitals, private practices, or sports medicine clinics, treating everyone from athletes to accident victims.

The combination of surgical skills, hands-on procedures, and patient management leads to strong earning potential.

Average annual salary: $164,000

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgical PAs play a crucial role in treating complex conditions of the brain and spinal cord. They assist neurosurgeons in delicate surgeries, perform neurological exams, and help manage recovery by monitoring patients for complications after surgery.

This specialty demands precision and an in-depth understanding of the nervous system, as PAs are involved in life-changing procedures that require great attention to detail. Because of the high-stakes nature of neurosurgery, PAs often work long hours and may need to be on-call to handle emergencies.

The fast-paced, critical environment makes neurosurgical PA roles both challenging and rewarding. These PAs work in hospitals or surgical centers, helping patients recover from major procedures like brain surgery or spinal operations.

Given the level of expertise and responsibility, the salary for neurosurgical PAs reflects the complexity of the work.

Average annual salary: $120,000

Critical Care

Critical care PAs work in intensive care units (ICUs), helping manage patients with severe, life-threatening conditions. They monitor vital signs, adjust life-support systems, and work closely with doctors, nurses, and specialists to create and carry out treatment plans.

This role demands sharp decision-making and the ability to quickly interpret complex medical data, all while staying calm under intense pressure. Critical care PAs also need to be emotionally resilient, as they often deal with very serious, sometimes heartbreaking situations. 

Every day in critical care is unpredictable, with new challenges and high-pressure situations. This also means PAs have the opportunity to make a significant difference in their patients’ lives, often in life-or-death moments.

Critical care PAs make a good living because of the specialized knowledge and high level of responsibility required.

Average annual salary: $154,000

Oncology

Oncology PAs are vital members of the cancer care team, working closely with oncologists to create and manage treatment plans for patients. Their responsibilities include the following:

• Perform physical exams
• Order and interpret tests 
• Help manage the side effects of cancer treatments

But it’s not just about the medical side – oncology PAs also offer emotional support, providing comfort and guidance to both patients and their families as they navigate the ups and downs of cancer treatment.

The field requires constant learning to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in treatment and research, as cancer care is always evolving. While it can be emotionally tough, the role offers a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing you’re helping patients through one of the most challenging experiences of their lives. Plus, the compensation is the highest.

Average annual salary: $352,000

General Surgery

General surgery PAs play a key role in a wide range of surgeries, from abdominal procedures to thyroid removals. They assist surgeons during operations, prepare patients for surgery, and take care of them before and after procedures.

In addition to assisting in the operating room, they also handle follow-up visits, keeping an eye on recovery and addressing any complications that may arise. The job is fast-paced and diverse, offering exposure to many different medical conditions and surgical techniques.

For those who enjoy variety and staying on their toes, general surgery provides an exciting and dynamic work environment. With a wide skill set and the ability to juggle many aspects of patient care, general surgery PAs are well-paid for their expertise.

Average annual salary: $164,000

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery PAs work closely with surgeons to restore or enhance the appearance and function of patients’ bodies. They assist in procedures such as:

• Breast reconstruction
• Skin grafts
• Cosmetic enhancements like facelifts or rhinoplasties

PAs in this field also play a crucial role in preoperative and postoperative care, ensuring patients are prepared for surgery and monitoring their recovery.

While much of their work occurs in the operating room, plastic surgery PAs are also involved in consultations, helping assess patients’ needs and educate them on potential treatments. The specialty offers a good balance of surgical and cosmetic work, making it appealing for those with an eye for detail and a passion for patient care.

Average annual salary: $164,000

Internal Medicine (Subspecialties)

PAs in internal medicine subspecialties focus on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of adult diseases, with a particular focus on specialized fields such as cardiology, gastroenterology, or pulmonology. 

Depending on the subspecialty, they assist with patient assessments, diagnostic procedures, and developing treatment plans for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory disorders.

These PAs often work in clinics or hospitals, collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. Their responsibilities can include ordering and interpreting lab tests, administering treatments, and providing ongoing care for chronic conditions. Internal medicine PAs need to stay current with medical advances to offer the best care in their subspecialty.

Average annual salary: $120,000

How to Increase Your Salary as a PA

To increase your salary as a PA, one effective strategy is shifting to higher-paying specialties like surgery or emergency medicine. These fields are often more demanding, requiring specialized skills and the ability to handle high-pressure situations, but the compensation is significantly higher.

For example, surgical PAs and those in emergency medicine can earn well above the average PA salary due to the complex nature of their work.

Another way to boost earnings is by obtaining certifications that enhance your expertise and marketability. For instance, the NCCPA Surgical Certification of Added Qualification can demonstrate advanced skills in surgery, opening up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Certifications in specific subspecialties, like cardiology or orthopedics, can also help you stand out in those lucrative fields.

Completing an advanced degree, such as a Master’s in PA Studies or a healthcare management program, can further lead to leadership roles that come with higher salaries. These roles may include overseeing teams of PAs or managing healthcare departments, where you can apply your clinical knowledge in a more strategic capacity.

Conclusion

Becoming a physician assistant is a rewarding career path that allows you to make a real impact in medicine and improve patients’ lives. With a range of specialties to choose from, you can pursue a career that’s both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Whether you’re assisting in surgeries, helping patients in emergencies, or managing chronic conditions, your work matters. 

Interested in exploring PA careers? Check out the medical school program at AUAMED and start your journey to making a difference in healthcare today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Do PAs in high-paying specialties work longer hours?

Yes, PAs in high-paying specialties like surgery or emergency medicine often work longer hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call shifts due to the nature of the work.

How does a PA’s role differ from that of a nurse practitioner?

PAs typically work under the supervision of physicians, focusing on diagnosing and treating patients, while nurse practitioners have more autonomy and often specialize in specific patient care areas.