Physician Assistant vs Psychiatrist: 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.
Psychiatrist
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication and psychotherapy.
Psychiatrist earns more on average — the national median is $145,990/year (107%) higher than a Physician Assistant. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Psychiatrist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Psychiatrist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $420,872 | Physician $226,701 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $344,472 | Physician $182,839 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $412,989 | Physician $245,699 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $317,235 | Physician $167,831 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $294,561 | Physician $150,495 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $362,959 | Physician $186,327 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £219,355 | Physician $111,477 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$384,563 | Physician $201,818 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Psychiatrist earn more?+
A Psychiatrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $281,870/year for a Psychiatrist — a difference of $145,990 (107%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Psychiatrist?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Psychiatrist demand is growing at 18% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Psychiatrist?+
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 Psychiatrist?+
Psychiatrist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.