Physician Assistants in District of Columbia
Want to work as a Physician Assistants in District of Columbia? Below are the key facts. Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants. Excludes “Registered Nurses” (29-1141), “Nurse Anesthetists” (29-1151), “Nurse Midwives” (29-1161), “Nurse Practitioners” (29-1171), “Emergency Medical Technicians” (29-2042), “Paramedics” (29-2043), “Surgical Assistants” (29-9093), and “Medical Assistants” (31-9092).
What do Physician Assistants Make in District of Columbia?
For physician assistants working in District of Columbia, the median annual wage is $131,070 per year (or about $63.01/hour).Annual wages span from $81,860 at the 10th percentile to $206,270 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,860 | $39.36 |
| 25th percentile | $123,490 | $59.37 |
| Median (50th) | $131,070 | $63.01 |
| 75th percentile | $172,520 | $82.94 |
| 90th percentile | $206,270 | $99.17 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in District of Columbia nationwide is 0.87, suggesting fewer physician assistants per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, physician assistants earn a median of $77,320 per year ($37.17/hour), higher than the District of Columbia median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 2,442,559 physician assistants across the United States. In District of Columbia alone, around 620 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 1,770 physician assistants.
Top District of Columbia Metros for Physician Assistants
The metro areas below employ the most physician assistants in District of Columbia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 2,840 | $137,650 |
Top States for Physician Assistants Employment
View the states that employ the most physician assistants work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| New York | 19,390 |
| California | 13,570 |
| Florida | 10,570 |
| Texas | 10,030 |
| North Carolina | 8,520 |
| Pennsylvania | 7,760 |
| Michigan | 5,490 |
| Ohio | 4,530 |
| Georgia | 4,400 |
| Massachusetts | 4,310 |
| Illinois | 3,930 |
| Minnesota | 3,790 |
| Connecticut | 3,700 |
| Arizona | 3,540 |
| Virginia | 3,530 |
| Washington | 3,310 |
| Colorado | 3,180 |
| Wisconsin | 3,040 |
| Maryland | 2,920 |
| Tennessee | 2,380 |
Highest-Paying States for Physician Assistants
The highest-paying states for physician assistants.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $163,020 |
| California | $161,080 |
| Washington | $156,990 |
| New York | $152,650 |
| Oregon | $149,130 |
| Rhode Island | $141,600 |
| New Jersey | $140,490 |
| New Mexico | $139,990 |
| Minnesota | $139,300 |
| Missouri | $139,200 |
Skills
Key physician assistants skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for physician assistants, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, physician assistants typically:
- Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
- Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
- Prescribe therapy or medication with physician approval.
- Obtain, compile, and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes, and results of physical examination.
- Examine patients to obtain information about their physical condition.
- Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
- Instruct and counsel patients about prescribed therapeutic regimens, normal growth and development, family planning, emotional problems of daily living, and health maintenance.
- Perform therapeutic procedures, such as injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management.
- Visit and observe patients on hospital rounds or house calls, updating charts, ordering therapy, and reporting back to physician.
- Provide physicians with assistance during surgery or complicated medical procedures.
- Supervise and coordinate activities of technicians and technical assistants.
- Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.
Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Getting Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Working with Computers
- Processing Information
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: eClinicalWorks EHR software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Allied Health Professions
- Physician Assistant Residency/Fellowship Programs
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to physician assistants include:
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Registered Nurses
- Acute Care Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Nurse Practitioners
Also Known As
Advanced Practice Provider (AAP), Anesthetic Assistant, Cardiology Physician Assistant, Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Certified Physician's Assistant (PA-C), Doctor Assistant, Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (Emergency Medicine PA), Family Medicine PA (Family Medicine Physician Assistant), Family Physician Assistant, Family Practice Physician Assistant, Gynecological Assistant, Medical Service Technician, Neurosurgery PA (Neurosurgery Physician Assistant), Orthopaedic Physician Assistant, Orthopedic Physician Assistant.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-1071.00