Physician Assistant vs Health Informatics Specialist: 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.
Health Informatics Specialist
Manage and analyse healthcare data systems to improve patient outcomes.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $19,300/year (17%) higher than a Health Informatics Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Health Informatics Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Health Informatics Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $167,045 | Physician +$27,126 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $137,525 | Physician +$24,108 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $166,153 | Physician +$1,137 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $130,205 | Physician +$19,199 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $123,750 | Physician +$20,316 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $155,128 | Physician +$21,504 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £92,602 | Physician +$15,276 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$156,673 | Physician +$26,072 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Health Informatics Specialist earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $116,580/year for a Health Informatics Specialist — a difference of $19,300 (17%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Health Informatics Specialist?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Health Informatics Specialist demand is growing at 22% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Health Informatics Specialist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Physician Assistant or Health Informatics Specialist?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.