Physician Assistants
O*NET 29-1071.00 · SOC 29-1071
Physician Assistant is a strong career choice. Median pay is $136k a year with +21.1% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 11,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Examine patients and diagnose conditions
- →Prescribe medications and treatments
- →Assist physicians in surgical procedures
- →Order and interpret diagnostic tests
- →Educate patients on health management and prevention
Education & How to Get In
Physician Assistant roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Physician Assistant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Physician Assistant?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Physician Assistant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Physician Assistants is projected to grow 21.1% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Physician Assistant make?
The median Physician Assistant earns $136k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Physician Assistant jobs?
Our model puts Physician Assistant at 15 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Physician Assistant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 21.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 11,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Physician Assistant?
Physician Assistant roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Physician Assistant career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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