Physician Assistants vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Physician Assistantss out-earn Registered Nursess by $38K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physician Assistantss land at $135,880 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: physician assistant programs typically require master's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Physician Assistantss is New Jersey ($165,690); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Physician Assistants median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Physician Assistantss or Registered Nursess?
Physician Assistantss earn more nationally. The median is $135,880 for Physician Assistantss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $38K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physician Assistants or Registered Nurses?
Physician Assistants has the better 10-year outlook at 20.4% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Physician Assistants or Registered Nurses?
Physician Assistants typically requires master's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Physician Assistantss get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Physician Assistantss at $165,690/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Physician Assistants vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Physician Assistantss earn $165,690 vs. $106,500 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.