Physician Assistant vs Surgeon: 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.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $288,458/year (212%) 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 Surgeon — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Surgeon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $600,082 | Physician $405,911 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $498,340 | Physician $336,707 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $606,568 | Physician $439,278 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $487,767 | Physician $338,363 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $464,470 | Physician $320,404 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $566,760 | Physician $390,128 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £236,648 | Physician $128,770 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$419,646 | Physician $236,901 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Surgeon earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $424,338/year for a Surgeon — a difference of $288,458 (212%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Surgeon?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Surgeon demand is growing at 4% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Surgeon?+
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 Surgeon?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.