Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. PAs are trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 26.5% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 12,000
Direct AI exposure: 0% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 25% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $136K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $99K per year | $121K per year | $136K per year | $164K per year | $190K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $85K above the national average. | ||||
Physician Assistants work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and surgical centers. Their work environment is collaborative, often working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff. PAs might work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly in hospitals.
The role of a Physician Assistant is versatile and dynamic, offering a unique blend of clinical and patient-care responsibilities. PAs are integral members of the medical team, working under a supervising physician's direction but with considerable autonomy. They perform a broad range of medical duties, from primary care to specialized surgical assistance, adapting to the needs of their medical setting.
Education for PAs includes a rigorous blend of classroom and clinical instruction in medical sciences, diagnostics, and therapeutic procedures. Clinical rotations in various medical specialties are essential to their training, providing hands-on experience in patient care. PAs must be adaptable, quick to learn, and capable of working in fast-paced and varied medical environments.
A career as a PA offers opportunities to make significant contributions to patient care while maintaining a balance of autonomy and teamwork. It's a career suited to those who seek a role in medicine with less time in training than a physician but still desire a high level of responsibility in patient care.
To become a PA, one typically needs a master's degree from an accredited physician assistant program, which usually takes about 2 years to complete post-bachelor's degree. This is in addition to a 4-year undergraduate degree, totaling approximately 6 years of post-secondary education.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
