How Much Does a Physician Assistant Make in New York in 2026?

A typical Physician Assistant in New York earns about $77.35 per hour ($160,880 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $13,407 a month or $3,094 a week, based on the annual figure. These numbers reflect typical pay across the state, before accounting for city, setting, or experience differences. Someone weighing a move or a new role in New York can use this as a starting reference point.

That pay sits 18% above the national figure of $135,880 a year, one of the largest gaps in the country. New York ranks 5th among all 51 states for Physician Assistant pay, a position reflecting its high cost of living. About 19,140 Physician Assistants work across the state, compared with 162,150 nationwide. That combination of high pay and a sizable workforce makes New York one of the stronger markets in the profession.

Entry-level positions in New York typically offer around $51.18 an hour, or about $106,440 a year, for those just starting out. Pay tends to rise within the first few years on the job, moving toward the typical figure of $77.35 an hour as Physician Assistants gain experience. New graduates often start in primary care or hospital settings before moving into higher-paying specialties. Within a few years, many reach pay closer to the state's typical figure.

Experienced Physician Assistants in New York often earn upwards of $84.00 an hour, and the top 10% make over $201,410 a year. That puts the gap between entry-level and top-tier pay at $94,970 a year. Setting, specialty, and city account for much of that spread; hospital and specialty roles in New York City tend to pay more than primary care positions upstate. Years of experience plays a role too.

New York's typical Physician Assistant pay has climbed steadily over the past decade. In 2015, the typical annual figure stood at $101,040; by 2025 it reached $160,880, a gain of $59,840. That amounts to a 59% rise over ten years, tracking generally upward each year without a single decline.

Nationally, typical Physician Assistant pay rose 38% over the same decade, meaning New York's growth outpaced the country as a whole. New York's rise has also been faster in recent years, with the biggest single jump between 2023 and 2024. For someone starting a Physician Assistant career in New York now, this history shows pay has moved up consistently, though it makes no promises about the years ahead.

Pay runs highest in New York City, where Physician Assistants earn $167,650 a year, about 4% above the state figure of $160,880 (these figures cover the full metro area). Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Kiryas Joel follow at $154,610 a year. Kingston and Binghamton also pay above the state's typical figure, at $150,470 and $146,120 respectively.

Buffalo pays the least among New York's metro areas at $126,360 a year, putting the spread between the highest- and lowest-paying cities at $41,290. New York City also has the largest Physician Assistant workforce in the state, with about 16,800 working there. Higher pay in New York City generally tracks its higher cost of living, so take-home value doesn't necessarily scale with the raw figures.

New York's Physician Assistant pay compares favorably with most neighboring states. New Jersey comes closest, paying $165,690 a year, about 3% higher than New York. Pennsylvania trails furthest behind at $127,070, about 21% lower. Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut all pay somewhat less as well. Physician Assistant licensure earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, which can simplify a move across these borders.

Physician Assistants in New York typically earn $160,880 a year, a figure that has risen 59% over the past decade. Pay varies by city, experience, and setting, with New York City and the top 10% of earners well above the state's typical figure. Anyone considering a move should check New York's PA licensing and registry requirements for specifics, and review city-level pages for local pay figures before deciding where to work.