Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Physician Assistant Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physician assistant in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$124,880 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 124,880, Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of $133,260. Pennsylvania ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$124,880Hourly estimate
$60.046% below national median
Difference: -$8,380
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysician Assistant Salary Ranking
#40 of 50 statesfor Physician Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | 163,020 |
| #2 | California | 161,080 |
| #3 | Washington | 156,990 |
| #4 | New York | 152,650 |
| #5 | Oregon | 149,130 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physician Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $124,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $152,650 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $140,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $138,720 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $134,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $122,970 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $126,760 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Medicine Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177831400
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $75,610 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $61,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,290 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physician Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physician Assistant licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Physician Assistant salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania is 124,880. Salaries range from $97,350 (10th percentile) to $154,640 (90th percentile).
How does the Physician Assistant salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of $133,260, with a state median of 124,880.
How many Physician Assistants work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 7,760 Physician Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Medicine Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Pages/default.aspx.