Registered Nurse vs Physician Assistant: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Physician Assistant
Diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $38,330/year (39%) higher than a Registered Nurse. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Physician Assistant — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Physician Assistant | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $194,171 | Registered $55,541 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $161,633 | Registered $45,860 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $167,290 | Registered $28,423 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $149,404 | Registered $42,365 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $144,066 | Registered $41,286 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $176,632 | Registered $46,867 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £107,878 | Registered $55,841 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$182,745 | Registered $88,131 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $135,880/year for a Physician Assistant — a difference of $38,330 (39%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Physician Assistant demand is growing at 28% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse to Physician Assistant?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: EMR.
Which is harder to automate — Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.