Salary distribution
Where San Francisco physician assistants fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $135,240 and $207,360, with a median of $167,090.
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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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for physician assistants.
- San Jose$215,600
- Riverside$166,730
- Los Angeles$156,210
- Sacramento$153,630
- San Diego$153,530
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Physician Assistants in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Physician Assistants in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $167,090.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Physician Assistants?
- The San Francisco metro median is +3.7% versus the California state median of $161,080.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Physician Assistants?
- The San Francisco metro median is +22.9% versus the BLS national figure of $136,006.
- What is the salary range for Physician Assistants in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $103,650 and the 90th-percentile at $220,310 for the San Francisco 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 Francisco 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.