Cross-sectional analysis reveals significant income disparities among physician associates in Pennsylvania, suggesting regional market dynamics drive compensation gaps.
Objective: This study examined factors contributing to the income disparity among physician associates (PAs) in Pennsylvania. Methods: Utilizing a 2022 national data set, we compared the annual income of PAs in Pennsylvania with PAs in all other US states, as well as with PAs practicing within a 25-mile radius of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. We also examined the relationship between the number of PA programs in each state and the corresponding average PA income. Results: Compared with PAs in other states, PAs in Pennsylvania reported lower mean earnings ($109,549 vs $121,586; P < .001). PAs in other zip codes of Pennsylvania earn a slightly higher mean income ($109,826) than PAs within 25 miles of Pittsburgh ($101,066), but less than those within 25 miles of Philadelphia ($116,848). We found no correlation between mean state income and the number of PA programs. Conclusion: The significant salary disparities within Pennsylvania and between Pennsylvania and other states warrant a closer examination of underlying factors such as market norms, cost of living, demand for health care services, and other possible contributing factors.
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Banning et al. (2026) studied this question.
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