What does a physician assistant do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Physician assistants examine patients, diagnose illness and injury, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medication as part of a health care team. They typically need a master's degree from an accredited program, and all states and the District of Columbia require a license.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 29-1071.00 (Physician Assistants) |
| Typical entry-level education | Master's degree |
| Training | None |
| Licensing | All states and DC require a license; PA-C credential after passing the qualifying exam |
| Median annual wage | $135,880 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 21 percent, 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 168,900 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 11,500 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a physician assistant do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Obtain and review patients' medical histories.
- Examine patients.
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests, such as x rays or blood tests.
- Diagnose a patient's injury or illness.
- Provide treatment, such as setting broken bones, stitching wounds and immunizing patients.
- Educate and counsel patients and their families on a variety of issues, such as treatment and self-care for asthma.
- Prescribe medication.
- Assess and record a patient's progress.
- Research the latest treatments to ensure quality of patient care.
Work environment
Largest employers by share of jobs: Offices of physicians 53 percent; hospitals; state, local, and private 26 percent; outpatient care centers 9 percent; government, excluding state and local education and hospitals 3 percent; educational services; state, local, and private 3 percent. Physician assistants held about 168,900 jobs in 2025.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: Physician assistants typically need a master's degree from an accredited educational program. Applicants typically have a bachelor's degree and experience caring directly for patients, and programs usually take at least two years of postbaccalaureate study.
- Licensing: All states and the District of Columbia require physician assistants to be licensed. Candidates must pass a qualifying exam, and those who pass may use the credential Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C).
- Recertification: PA-Cs must complete continuing education and pass a recertification exam within a specified number of years.
- Supervision: In most states, laws require physician assistants to hold an agreement with a supervising physician. Positions may require basic life support (BLS) certification.
Skills that matter
The OOH names communication skills, compassion, detail orientation, emotional stability, interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills. O*NET lists the knowledge, skills and tasks for this occupation in its Physician Assistants summary.
How much do physician assistants make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $135,880 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $99,380 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $190,280.
See the OOH pay tab and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for more detail. Our guide on how to research pay explains how to read these numbers.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 21 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 11,500 openings projected each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Build patient care experience. Applicants typically have direct patient care experience, so document your hours and responsibilities clearly.
- Complete an accredited program and pass the exam. Confirm that your program qualifies you for the PA-C qualifying exam and your state license.
- Show teamwork. Communication, compassion and problem solving are named skills; support them with specific cases. Our resume sections recruiters read guide helps you structure them.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine, search jobs on LiveRec, and set a job alert.
Related occupations
EMTs and paramedics; Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners; Occupational therapists; Physical therapists; Physicians and surgeons; Registered nurses; Speech-language pathologists.
Related guides on LiveRec: registered nurses, physical therapists, nurse practitioners.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do you need to be a physician assistant? A master's degree from an accredited program is typical.
Do physician assistants need a license? Yes. All states and the District of Columbia require licensure, and candidates must pass a qualifying exam.
What does PA-C mean? Physician Assistant-Certified, the credential those who pass the qualifying exam may use.
Is physician assistant a fast-growing job? BLS projects 21 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Physician Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1071.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.