Physician Assistant vs Surgeon salary
In New Zealand, a surgeon earns about 107% more than a physician assistant — $303,426 vs $146,243 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Healthcare
Physician Assistant$146,243/yr
- Monthly
- $12,206
- Hourly
- $70
- Range
- $106,746–$194,492
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physician Assistant | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $106,746 | $194,204 |
| 25th | $126,495 | $248,787 |
| Median | $146,243 | $303,426 |
| 75th | $170,368 | $370,157 |
| Senior (90th) | $194,492 | $436,945 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician assistant or surgeon earn more in New Zealand?
- A surgeon earns more, at about $527,000 per year vs $254,000 for a physician assistant — roughly 107% ($273,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A physician assistant typically earns $185,400–$337,800, while a surgeon earns $337,300–$758,900 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a physician assistant averages about $21,200 and a surgeon about $43,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a physician assistant earns about $185,400 while a surgeon earns about $337,300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a physician assistant earns about $337,800 while a surgeon earns about $758,900 per year.
- Are physician assistant and surgeon 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.