Physician Assistants
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Physician Assistants to increase by 21.1% between 2024 and 2034, from 168,900 to 204,600 jobs. Its estimate of 11,500 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($135,880), education (Master's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
168,900
Projected employment (2034)
204,600
Projected change (2024–2034)
21%
Annual openings (projected average)
11,500
Pay & Preparation
$135,880
Master's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Reading Comprehension (4.12/5) • Critical Thinking (4.12/5) • Monitoring (4.12/5) • Speaking (4/5) • Active Listening (4/5) • Writing (4/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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