How to Become a Physician Assistants in Florida
Physician Assistants in Florida earn a median salary of $127,200/year, which is 5% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a physician assistants takes home approximately $6,729/month. Most positions require Master's degree.
What a physician assistants can afford in Florida
Becoming a physician assistants in Florida
Meet education requirements
Physician Assistants positions in Florida typically require Master's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many physician assistants positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for physician assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 10,570 physician assistants. The highest concentrations are in Wildwood-The Villages and North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota.
Physician Assistants salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood-The Villages | $155K | $74.3/hr | 60 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $148K | $71.25/hr | 530 |
| Jacksonville | $136K | $65.36/hr | 1,070 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $133K | $63.84/hr | 650 |
| Gainesville | $131K | $62.74/hr | 270 |
| Port St. Lucie | $130K | $62.42/hr | 180 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $128K | $61.74/hr | 2,370 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $127K | $61.1/hr | 1,430 |
| Punta Gorda | $125K | $60.02/hr | 80 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $125K | $60.02/hr | 300 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $124K | $59.43/hr | 170 |
| Naples-Marco Island | $123K | $59.18/hr | 180 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $123K | $58.91/hr | 220 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $122K | $58.81/hr | 270 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $122K | $58.69/hr | 100 |
Physician Assistants salary range in Florida
Physician Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a physician assistants make in Florida?▼
The median physician assistants salary in Florida is $127,200 per year ($61.15/hr). This is 5% below the national median of $133,260. Salaries range from $83,990 to $175,080.
What are the requirements to become a physician assistants in Florida?▼
Physician Assistants positions in Florida typically require Master's degree. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a physician assistants afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $127,200, a physician assistants in Florida would take home approximately $8,141/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 17.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for physician assistants in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for physician assistants in Florida are Wildwood-The Villages ($154,550), North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota ($148,210), Jacksonville ($135,960). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for physician assistants?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means physician assistants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.