Salary distribution
Where San Diego physician assistants fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $122,140 and $172,060, with a median of $153,530.
Typical entry
Education
Master's degree
Experience
Internship/residency
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 5.0 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.8 / 5
Biology
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- 02
Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- 03
Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- 04
Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
- 05
Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- 06
Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- 07
Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- 08
Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
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How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for physician assistants.
- San Jose$215,600
- San Francisco$167,090
- Riverside$166,730
- Los Angeles$156,210
- Sacramento$153,630
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Physician Assistants in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physician Assistants in the San Diego metropolitan area is $153,530.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Physician Assistants?
- The San Diego metro median is -4.7% versus the California state median of $161,080.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Physician Assistants?
- The San Diego metro median is +12.9% versus the BLS national figure of $136,006.
- What is the salary range for Physician Assistants in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $95,870 and the 90th-percentile at $213,880 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Physician Assistants?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Master's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.