Physician Assistant vs Medical Coder: 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.
Medical Coder
Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardised codes for billing.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $79,302/year (140%) higher than a Medical Coder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Medical Coder — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Medical Coder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $83,101 | Physician +$111,070 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $69,765 | Physician +$91,868 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $79,430 | Physician +$87,860 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $64,839 | Physician +$84,565 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $59,692 | Physician +$84,374 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $75,244 | Physician +$101,388 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £44,852 | Physician +$63,026 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$75,011 | Physician +$107,734 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Medical Coder earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $56,578/year for a Medical Coder — a difference of $79,302 (140%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Medical Coder?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Medical Coder demand is growing at 9% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Medical Coder?+
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 Medical Coder?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 72%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.