Physician Assistant vs Speech-Language Pathologist: 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.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $38,010/year (39%) higher than a Speech-Language Pathologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Speech-Language Pathologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Speech-Language Pathologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $141,321 | Physician +$52,850 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $119,548 | Physician +$42,085 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $139,695 | Physician +$27,595 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $112,282 | Physician +$37,122 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $103,493 | Physician +$40,573 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $125,361 | Physician +$51,271 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £74,721 | Physician +$33,157 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$126,294 | Physician +$56,451 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Speech-Language Pathologist earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $97,870/year for a Speech-Language Pathologist — a difference of $38,010 (39%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Speech-Language Pathologist?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Speech-Language Pathologist demand is growing at 19% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Speech-Language Pathologist?+
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 Speech-Language Pathologist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.