Physician Assistant vs Medical Lab Scientist: 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 Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $65,723/year (94%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Medical Lab Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Medical Lab Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $103,069 | Physician +$91,102 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $87,047 | Physician +$74,586 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $102,380 | Physician +$64,910 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $79,439 | Physician +$69,965 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $75,418 | Physician +$68,648 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $90,176 | Physician +$86,456 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £55,328 | Physician +$52,550 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$91,433 | Physician +$91,312 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Medical Lab Scientist earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $70,157/year for a Medical Lab Scientist — a difference of $65,723 (94%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Medical Lab Scientist?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Medical Lab Scientist demand is growing at 7% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Medical Lab Scientist?+
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 Lab Scientist?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.