Physician Assistant vs Registered Nurse salary
In United States, a physician assistant earns about 57% more than a registered nurse — $159,000 vs $101,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician Assistant$159,000/yr
- Monthly
- $13,300
- Hourly
- $76
- Range
- $116,100–$211,500
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physician Assistant | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $116,100 | $73,700 |
| 25th | $137,500 | $87,400 |
| Median | $159,000 | $101,000 |
| 75th | $185,200 | $117,700 |
| Senior (90th) | $211,500 | $134,300 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician assistant or registered nurse earn more in United States?
- A physician assistant earns more, at about $159,000 per year vs $101,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 57% ($58,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A physician assistant typically earns $116,100–$211,500, while a registered nurse earns $73,700–$134,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a physician assistant averages about $13,300 and a registered nurse about $8,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a physician assistant earns about $116,100 while a registered nurse earns about $73,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a physician assistant earns about $211,500 while a registered nurse earns about $134,300 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.