Physician Assistant vs Social Worker: 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.
Social Worker
Support individuals and families through mental health, poverty, and social challenges.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $72,512/year (114%) higher than a Social Worker. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Social Worker — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Social Worker | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $90,241 | Physician +$103,930 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $77,533 | Physician +$84,100 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $87,845 | Physician +$79,445 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $70,990 | Physician +$78,414 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $68,037 | Physician +$76,029 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $84,261 | Physician +$92,371 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £50,174 | Physician +$57,704 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$84,837 | Physician +$97,908 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Social Worker earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $63,368/year for a Social Worker — a difference of $72,512 (114%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Social Worker?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Social Worker demand is growing at 9% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Social Worker?+
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 Social Worker?+
Social Worker has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.