What Is the Salary Difference Between a Nurse Practitioner and a Physician Assistant?

Educational Pathways

Nurse practitioners typically follow a nursing pathway, starting with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. After obtaining their BSN, they pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, specializing in a particular area such as family practice, acute care, or pediatrics. The educational journey for NPs is rooted in nursing principles, emphasizing patient-centered care, health promotion, and disease prevention.

On the other hand, physician assistants follow a medical model in their education. Most PAs enter their profession with a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, but some programs may accept applicants with non-science backgrounds. Following their undergraduate education, PAs complete a rigorous, graduate-level PA program, usually culminating in a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree. PA education focuses on general medical principles, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care across various specialties.

Scope of Practice

Although both NPs and PAs provide primary and specialty care, their scopes of practice may differ slightly depending on state regulations and individual training. In many states, NPs have the authority to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications independently, whereas PAs typically practice under the supervision of a physician. However, the degree of physician oversight can vary, and some states grant PAs more autonomy in their practice.

NPs often work autonomously or collaboratively with physicians, providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages. They can assess patients, order diagnostic tests, interpret results, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications. Additionally, many NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education, emphasizing a holistic approach to care.

PAs, on the other hand, work closely with physicians, consulting them as needed while also having a degree of autonomy in patient care. They perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and may assist in surgeries or procedures. PAs are trained to work across various specialties, ranging from primary care and emergency medicine to surgery and psychiatry.

Salary Differences by State

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the 2022 median pay for Nurse Practitioners was roughly $124,680 per year or $59.94 per hour. In comparison, 2022 median pay for Physician Assistants is around $125,270 per year or $60.23 per hour. It is worth noting that salary can widely differ from state to state. The top-paying states for NPs include California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Nevada with mean annual salaries ranging from roughly $136,230 to $158,130. In comparison, the top-paying states for PAs include Washington, California, Alaska, Connecticut, and Nevada, with the mean annual salary ranging from roughly $141,360 to $145,390.

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Job Outlook Differences

In addition to the projected salary, it is significant to note the proposed outlook for each job. The BLS predicts over 38% growth of employment for NPs and over 27% growth for PAs from 2022 to 2032. This is much faster than the average growth for all occupations. With an increased need for advanced-degree healthcare professionals, as well as an increased focus on preventative care and an increasingly aging population, the job outlook for both careers looks bright.

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Amanda Bucceri Androus, RN, BSN

Amanda Bucceri Androus is a Registered Nurse from Sacramento, California. She graduated from California State University, Sacramento in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in nursing. She began her career working night shifts on a pediatric/ med-surg unit for six years, later transferring to a telemetry unit where she worked for four more years. She currently works as a charge nurse in a busy outpatient primary care department. In her spare time she likes to read, travel, write, and spend time with her husband and two children.