Analysis of factors related to PA salaries in Pennsylvania.

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.