Physician Assistant vs Healthcare Administrator: 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.
Healthcare Administrator
Manage hospital or clinic operations, staff, and compliance.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $12,020/year (10%) higher than a Healthcare Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Healthcare Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Healthcare Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $182,245 | Physician +$11,926 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $147,855 | Physician +$13,778 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $160,100 | Physician +$7,190 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $136,150 | Physician +$13,254 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $136,063 | Physician +$8,003 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $164,627 | Physician +$12,005 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £98,123 | Physician +$9,755 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$163,190 | Physician +$19,555 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Healthcare Administrator earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $123,860/year for a Healthcare Administrator — a difference of $12,020 (10%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Healthcare Administrator?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Healthcare Administrator demand is growing at 28% YoY. Healthcare Administrator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Healthcare Administrator?+
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 Healthcare Administrator?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.