Healthcare
Physician Assistant (PA)
Diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and assist in surgery — under physician supervision. One of the highest-paid jobs you can get without an MD.
high-payhelping-peoplehigh-growth
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$100k
$130k
$170k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+27%
+27% (Much faster than avg)
Open positions
39,000
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Fastest ROI
Degree In Person
Master of PA Studies (after Bachelor's)
Time
6–7 years total
Cost
$70,000 – $180,000
Top programs
Most rigorous; requires science prereqs + healthcare hours.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Attainability breakdown
What are the odds
you actually get there?
Six factors weighted to estimate the realistic probability a motivated person reaches this outcome. Higher = more attainable.
68
Composite
Attainability Score
Data-backed
- Educational difficultyHow hard the required schooling is to complete4520%
- Licensing & examsPass rates and difficulty of required exams9215%
- Entry-job competitionHow many applicants per open entry-level role6020%
- Career stay-rateInverse of early-career attrition / industry exit8015%
- Market demandOpenings vs available workforce9015%
- Alternative pathsHow many viable ways exist to enter the field5015%
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
6–7 years total
You'd spend (avg)
$125,000
Starting salary
$100,000
Mid-career
$130,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · AAPA