Surgical PA Salary in 2025

As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise, surgical physician assistants (PAs) remain a critical part of the medical team. In 2025, their compensation reflects not only their expertise but also the increased need for surgical support across hospitals and specialty clinics.

This article provides a detailed look at the surgical PA salary in 2025, exploring average earnings, influencing factors, job outlook, and what professionals can expect in terms of growth and benefits.

💰 Average Surgical PA Salary in 2025

As of 2025, the average salary for a surgical PA in the United States ranges between $103,000 and $140,000 annually. The national median salary sits around $120,000 per year, with variations depending on location, level of experience, and subspecialty.

Salary Ranges:

Entry-level (0–2 years): $95,000 – $110,000
Mid-career (3–7 years): $115,000 – $130,000
Experienced (8+ years): $130,000 – $150,000+

Surgical PAs working in high-demand specialties such as cardiothoracic surgery or neurosurgery can exceed these averages due to the complexity and intensity of their roles.

📈 Factors That Influence Surgical PA Salary

Several key elements determine a surgical PA’s salary in 2025:

1. Experience Level

Experience remains one of the strongest predictors of salary. With more years in the field, PAs often take on more responsibilities and earn higher compensation.

2. Geographic Location

Urban centers and coastal states like California, New York, and Massachusetts offer higher pay due to cost of living and hospital demand.
Rural or underserved areas may offer sign-on bonuses or loan repayment programs to attract surgical PAs.

3. Specialization

PAs who specialize in high-risk or high-skill areas (e.g., orthopedic, cardiovascular, trauma surgery) typically earn premium salaries.

4. Certifications and Education

NCCPA certification is a standard requirement.
Additional training like Surgical PA Residency Programs or fellowships can command higher pay.
Advanced degrees (e.g., Doctor of Medical Science [DMSc]) may also enhance salary potential.

💼 Job Outlook for Surgical PAs in 2025

The job market for surgical PAs is robust, with demand growing steadily due to:

An aging population requiring more surgical interventions.
Physician shortages pushing hospitals to rely more heavily on PAs.
Expanded surgical responsibilities granted to experienced PAs.

According to recent labor statistics, the PA profession is projected to grow 27% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

🌟 Benefits Beyond Base Salary

Surgical PAs enjoy a range of financial and non-financial perks:

Common Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
401(k) or retirement plans with matching
Paid time off (PTO) and continuing medical education (CME) allowances
Malpractice insurance coverage
Relocation assistance and bonuses in high-need areas

These benefits can add $15,000–$30,000 in annual value, depending on the employer.

🎓 Education and Certification Requirements

To become a surgical PA and maximize salary potential, one must:

Complete an accredited PA program (usually 2–3 years).
Pass the PANCE exam and earn NCCPA certification.
Maintain certification with ongoing CME and periodic recertification.
Optional: Pursue postgraduate surgical PA residencies for advanced training.

Some employers may favor candidates with specialty credentials like:

CAQ in Surgery (Certificate of Added Qualifications)
ACLS and ATLS certifications for trauma and OR settings

🔍 Final Thoughts

In 2025, surgical PAs continue to command competitive salaries and benefits, thanks to their critical role in delivering quality surgical care. Whether just entering the field or advancing to senior roles, surgical PAs have access to a rewarding career with excellent financial and professional growth.

Those who invest in specialized education, certifications, and experience can expect salaries that reflect their vital contributions to the healthcare system.