Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant Salary Guide

How much do emergency medicine physician assistants make?

The average annual physician assistant wage is $136,900 per year in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That being said, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) reported that emergency medicine physician assistants made a median total compensation of $133,990 in 2022.  

What’s the typical locum tenens emergency medicine physician assistant salary?

Locum tenens emergency medicine PAs can make up to $120 an hour, however, there are many factors that impact rates including location, years of experience, and the level of demand.

Making direct salary comparisons between locum tenens and permanent providers can be complicated. While perm emergency medicine PAs are more likely to be salaried, locum tenens PAs are independent contractors earning an hourly rate, which can vary based on which assignments they take in a year.

Furthermore, because locum tenens emergency medicine PAs are paid by the hour, the hours they work are directly reflected in their pay, while a salaried PA’s additional hours may not be reflected in their salary.

Finally, paid time off and insurance may be reflected in the perm physician assistant salary structure, but locum tenens providers do have options when it comes to health insurance.

Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant Salaries by State

The most recent state breakdown of PA salaries comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, though the BLS was not able to collect enough data for all 50 states. That said, some of the top five highest paying states for PAs salary are:

• California 
• Washington
• Oregon
• New York
• New Jersey

There is no specific information on the salaries for emergency medicine PAs, but the average for each state can be inferred.

How does emergency medicine physician assistant salary compare against other specialties?

Emergency medicine PAs are the third highest-paid PA specialty according to the AAPA’s 2022 data. According to that report, emergency medicine PAs make more on average than occupational medicine PAs ($133,120 median total compensation) and critical care PAs ($133,000 median total compensation). 

What is an emergency medicine physician assistant?

An emergency medicine physician assistant (EMPA) is a highly skilled healthcare professional who works alongside physicians to provide critical care in emergency settings. These practitioners blend medical expertise with the ability to make quick decisions, serving as vital team members in managing acute illnesses and injuries.

What does an emergency medicine physician assistant do?

EMPAs are frontline responders who tackle a diverse array of medical emergencies. Their responsibilities include conducting thorough patient assessments, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, formulating treatment plans, performing life-saving procedures, and coordinating patient care within the fast-paced emergency environment. They also play a crucial role in patient education and follow-up care planning.

Where does an emergency medicine physician assistant work?

While primarily found in hospital emergency departments, EMPAs’ versatility allows them to contribute in various acute care settings. These may include:

• Level I trauma centers
• Community hospital emergency rooms
• Freestanding emergency departments
• Urgent care facilities
• Rural emergency clinics
• Disaster response teams
• Emergency medical flight services
• Cruise ship medical centers
• Sports medicine emergency units
• Military field hospitals

This wide range of work environments showcases the adaptability and essential nature of EMPAs in providing emergency medical care across diverse settings.