Arkansas saw the largest year-over-year increase in the average annual salary for physician assistants from 2024 to 2025, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Across the U.S., the average annual salary for physician assistants grew $4,380, increasing from $136,900 in 2024 to $141,280 in 2025.
In total, 46 states experienced year-over-year compensation increases for the profession.
The agency updated compensation data May 15 to reflect 2025 information, the latest available.
Here are the ten states with the largest jumps in physician assistant compensation using salary data from 2024 and 2025:
Arkansas
2024 average salary: $93,880
2025 average salary: $118,430
Increase of $24,550
New Jersey
2024 average salary: $149,160
2025 average salary: $162,100
Increase of $12,940
North Dakota
2024 average salary: $118,300
2025 average salary: $130,930
Increase of $12,630
Vermont
2024 average salary: $141,000
2025 average salary: $152,520
Increase of $11,520
Oklahoma
2024 average salary: $127,670
2025 average salary: $138,700
Increase of $11,030
Kentucky
2024 average salary: $110,150
2025 average salary: $119,990
Increase of $9,840
Massachusetts
2024 average salary: $137,400
2025 average salary: $146,480
Increase of $9,080
Montana
2024 average salary: $132,220
2025 average salary: $140,800
Increase of $8,580
Mississippi
2024 average salary: $98,270
2025 average salary: $106,820
Increase of $8,550
Alaska
2024 average salary: $139,590
2025 average salary: $148,080
Increase of $8,490
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