PA Student job resources

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The average new graduate PA salary in 2025 is approximately $95,000–$105,000 nationally, with a typical range of $90,000–$110,000 depending on  specialty, location, and practice setting. Primary care roles generally  start around $90,000–$100,000, while surgical and specialty positions  can reach $100,000–$110,000 or more. Geographic variation is  significant: higher salaries are common in the West and Northeast,  whereas the South and Midwest tend to offer lower starting pay.  Compensation has risen modestly in recent years, but real growth is  often offset by inflation and regional cost-of-living differences.

• National average: $95,000–$105,000 annually.
• Typical range: $90,000–$110,000, varying by specialty, location, and setting.
• Primary care: $90,000–$100,000.
• Surgical/specialty: $100,000–$110,000+.

Geography significantly influences starting salaries:

Regional Average starting salary: West Coast (CA, OR, WA)$100,000–$110,000Northeast (NY, MA, CT)$95,000–$105,000South (TX, FL, GA)$85,000–$95,000Midwest (IL, OH, MI)$90,000–$100,000

Higher salaries in the West and Northeast reflect higher living costs  and demand, whereas the South and Midwest generally offer lower  starting pay.

Specialty choice also affects starting compensation:

• Primary care (FM, IM, peds): $90,000–$100,000.
• Emergency medicine: $95,000–$105,000.
• Surgery (general, ortho, CV): $100,000–$110,000+.
• Dermatology: $95,000–$105,000.
• Psychiatry: $90,000–$100,000.

Several factors drive differences in new-grad PA pay:

• Geographic location: Cost of living and local demand.
• Specialty: Surgical and procedural fields pay more.
• Practice setting: Hospitals and health systems often pay more than private practices.
• Experience: Prior healthcare experience can boost starting offers.
• Market demand: Underserved areas may offer higher salaries or incentives.

PA salaries have risen modestly in recent years, but real growth is often muted by inflation.  The profession remains in strong demand, which supports continued  upward pressure on compensation, though increases vary by region and  specialty.

New-grad PAs generally earn more than new-grad NPs  (≈$90,000–$100,000) and significantly more than new-grad RNs  (≈$65,000–$75,000), reflecting differences in training, scope, and  market demand.

With median PA student debt around $100,000–$120,000, starting salaries are a key factor in career decisions. Many graduates prioritize loan repayment and may  accept higher-paying specialties or locations to manage debt, though  this can limit access to lower-paying primary care roles.

Beyond base salary, new PAs often receive:

• Signing bonuses: $5,000–$15,000.
• Relocation assistance: Common for hard-to-fill roles.
• Health insurance: Medical, dental, vision.
• Retirement plans: 401(k) with employer match.
• CME allowance: $1,500–$3,000 annually.
• Malpractice insurance: Typically employer-paid.

The job market remains strong, with PA employment  projected to grow 27% from 2022 to 2032. Demand is especially high in  primary care, emergency medicine, and under served areas, though  competition can be stiff in desirable urban markets.

New grads can improve their offers by:

• Researching local benchmarks: Use AAPA and specialty data.
• Highlighting unique skills: Procedures, languages, or certifications.
• Negotiating total compensation: Consider bonuses, CME, and schedule flexibility.
• Being flexible on location: Rural or under served roles often pay more.

In 2025, new graduate PAs can expect starting salaries in the $95,000–$105,000 range, with variation by specialty, region, and setting. Compensation  has risen modestly, but real gains depend on location and specialty  choice. Strong demand and competitive benefits continue to make the  profession attractive, though student debt remains a key consideration.