The demand for physician assistants (PAs) has been on the rise in recent years, and North Carolina is no exception. In fact, the North Carolina Department of Commerce has given a five-star rating to the job prospects for PAs, ranking it as the fourth best job that requires an advanced degree. With a projected job growth rate of 42.8% between 2012 and 2022, it’s no surprise that many individuals are considering a career as a PA in North Carolina.
But what exactly is contributing to this job growth and strong salary offers for PAs in the state? In this article, we will delve into the various factors that are driving the demand for PAs in North Carolina and how it translates into attractive salary packages. We will also take a closer look at the different regions within the state and their respective PA salaries. So, if you’re considering a career as a PA in North Carolina, read on to find out more.
Factors Contributing to Job Growth and Strong Salary Offers
There are several factors that are contributing to the high demand for PAs in North Carolina. These include:
Shortage of Physicians and Allied Health Professionals
According to a 2007 study conducted by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine, the state is facing a severe shortage of physicians, PAs, and other allied health professionals over the next 20 years. This is due to a combination of factors such as an aging population, an increase in chronic diseases, and a limited number of medical school graduates choosing primary care specialties.
As a result, PAs are increasingly being relied upon to fill the gap in healthcare services, particularly in underserved rural areas where there is a shortage of physicians. This has led to a higher demand for PAs in these areas, resulting in more job opportunities and competitive salaries.
Growing Aging Population
North Carolina has one of the fastest-growing aging populations in the country, with projections showing that by 2030, one in five residents will be over the age of 65. This demographic shift is expected to increase the demand for healthcare services, including primary care, which PAs are well-equipped to provide.
With their ability to work autonomously and collaborate with physicians, PAs are an integral part of the healthcare team in managing the complex medical needs of the elderly population. As a result, there is a growing need for PAs in various healthcare settings, leading to job growth and higher salaries.
Expansion of Healthcare Facilities
The expansion of healthcare facilities, particularly in urban areas, has also contributed to the high demand for PAs in North Carolina. With the opening of new hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, there is a need for more healthcare professionals, including PAs, to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.
Moreover, as these facilities continue to expand and offer specialized services, there is a need for PAs with specialized training and expertise in areas such as surgery, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. This has resulted in higher salaries for PAs with specialized skills and knowledge.
Physicians Assistant Salaries Throughout North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Commerce reported that experienced physician assistants earned 34% more than professionals new to the workforce. Experienced physician assistants earned an average salary of $104,010, while entry-level physician assistants averaged $77,550 in 2015. The median salary among North Carolina’s physician assistants was $93,390 that year.
Salaries for North Carolina’s physician assistants varied greatly depending on location. Physician assistants in the Goldsboro metropolitan statistical area earned higher salaries at all levels of experience:
| Location | Experienced | Median | Entry-level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $106,970 | $94,980 | $83,950 |
| Burlington | $95,500 | $88,030 | $74,390 |
| Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill | $104,720 | $96,760 | $81,410 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $97,240 | $89,990 | $65,240 |
| Fayetteville | $106,910 | $93,330 | $78,740 |
| Goldsboro | $113,790 | $107,380 | $86,270 |
| Greenville | $109,710 | $101,660 | $79,280 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morgantown | $108,120 | $96,800 | $78,360 |
| Jacksonville | $108,490 | $96,510 | $75,330 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $99,570 | $91,170 | $72,700 |
| Rocky Mount | $105,560 | $93,740 | $76,080 |
| Wilmington | $100,290 | $92,630 | $77,820 |
| Winston-Salem | $98,030 | $91,720 | $82,940 |
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a highly detailed analysis of physician assistant salaries in the rural and urban parts of North Carolina as of 2014:
Asheville NC
- Employment: 200;
- Hourly mean wage: $47.68;
- Annual mean wage: $99,170;
- Hourly median wage: $45.67;
- Hourly 75th percentile wage: $54.88;
- Hourly 90th percentile wage: $63.16;
- Annual median wage: $94,980;
- Annual 75th percentile wage: $114,160;
- Annual 90th percentile wage: $131,380.
Burlington NC
- Employment: 50;
- Hourly mean wage: $42.53;
- Annual mean wage: $88,470;
- Hourly median wage: $42.32;
- Hourly 75th percentile wage: $46.55;
- Hourly 90th percentile wage: $55.54;
- Annual median wage: $88,030;
- Annual 75th percentile wage: $96,830;
- Annual 90th percentile wage: $115,520.
Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill NC-SC
- Employment: 350;
- Hourly mean wage: $46.61;
- Annual mean wage: $96,950;
- Hourly median wage: $46.52;
- Hourly 75th percentile wage: $53.62;
- Hourly 90th percentile wage: $58.57;
- Annual median wage: $96,760;
- Annual 75th percentile wage: $111,540;
- Annual 90th percentile wage: $121,830.
Durham-Chapel Hill NC
- Employment: 440;
- Hourly mean wage: $41.62;
- Annual mean wage: $86,570;
- Hourly median wage: $43.26;
- Hourly 75th percentile wage: $49.32;
- Hourly 90th percentile wage: $55.70;
- Annual median wage: $89,990;
- Annual 75th percentile wage: $102,590;
- Annual 90th percentile wage: $115,860.
Fayetteville NC
- Employment: 210;
- Hourly mean wage: $46.89;
- Annual mean wage: $97,520;
- Hourly median wage: $44.87;
- Hourly 75th percentile wage: $53.97;
- Hourly 90th percentile wage: $60.79;
- Annual median wage: $93,330;
- Annual 75th percentile wage: $112,260;
- Annual 90th percentile wage: $126,440.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the demand for PAs in North Carolina is on the rise, and it’s expected to continue growing in the coming years. Factors such as a shortage of physicians and allied health professionals, a growing aging population, and the expansion of healthcare facilities have all contributed to the high demand for PAs in the state.
Moreover, both urban and rural areas offer attractive salaries for PAs, making North Carolina an appealing destination for those considering a career as a PA. With a projected job growth rate of 42.8% between 2012 and 2022, now is the perfect time to pursue a career as a PA in North Carolina or Pennsylvania. So, if you’re passionate about providing quality healthcare and are looking for a rewarding career, consider becoming a PA in North Carolina.
