Physician Assistants vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Physician Assistants out-earn Registered Nurses by $38K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physician Assistants land at $135,880 and Registered Nurses 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 Assistants is New Jersey ($165,690); for Registered Nurses 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 Assistants or Registered Nurses?
Physician Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $135,880 for Physician Assistants versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, 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 Assistants get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Physician Assistants 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 Assistants earn $165,690 vs. $106,500 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.