Physician Assistant vs Registered Nurse salary
In Australia, a physician assistant earns about 126% more than a registered nurse — $226,235 vs $99,932 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Healthcare
Physician Assistant$226,235/yr
- Monthly
- $18,876
- Hourly
- $109
- Range
- $165,165–$300,906
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physician Assistant | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $165,165 | $72,936 |
| 25th | $195,700 | $86,469 |
| Median | $226,235 | $99,932 |
| 75th | $263,570 | $116,448 |
| Senior (90th) | $300,906 | $132,895 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician assistant or registered nurse earn more in Australia?
- A physician assistant earns more, at about $326,000 per year vs $144,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 126% ($182,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A physician assistant typically earns $238,000–$433,600, while a registered nurse earns $105,100–$191,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a physician assistant averages about $27,200 and a registered nurse about $12,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a physician assistant earns about $238,000 while a registered nurse earns about $105,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a physician assistant earns about $433,600 while a registered nurse earns about $191,500 per year.
- Are physician assistant and registered nurse similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.