Physician Assistant vs Registered Dietitian: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician Assistant
Diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision.
Registered Dietitian
Provide evidence-based nutritional guidance and meal plans for individuals.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $59,480/year (78%) higher than a Registered Dietitian. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Registered Dietitian — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Registered Dietitian | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $111,580 | Physician +$82,591 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $91,691 | Physician +$69,942 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $107,646 | Physician +$59,644 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $84,638 | Physician +$64,766 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $82,536 | Physician +$61,530 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $98,403 | Physician +$78,229 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £59,011 | Physician +$48,867 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$101,162 | Physician +$81,583 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Registered Dietitian earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $76,400/year for a Registered Dietitian — a difference of $59,480 (78%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Registered Dietitian?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Registered Dietitian demand is growing at 11% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Registered Dietitian?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Clinical Assessment.
Which is harder to automate — Physician Assistant or Registered Dietitian?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 26%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.