Physician assistants (PAs) play a crucial role in New Jersey’s healthcare landscape, bridging the gap between patients and primary care providers. With the demand for healthcare professionals steadily rising, understanding the salary landscape for PAs in New Jersey is essential for aspiring and practicing PAs alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the factors driving demand for PAs in the state, compare salaries to national averages, explore regional variations in compensation, and provide valuable insights for PAs navigating their career paths in New Jersey.
Physician Assistant Salaries in New Jersey
The demand for physician assistants (PAs) in New Jersey is on the rise, with the state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development projecting a substantial 32.8% increase in PA jobs between 2012 and 2022.
This growth is particularly pronounced in counties like Salem and Gloucester, where job opportunities for PAs are expected to surge by 75% and 54%, respectively, over the same period.
One of the primary drivers behind the increasing demand for PAs in New Jersey is the impending shortage of primary care physicians. A report by the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals forecasts a shortage of over 5,000 primary care physicians by 2020. To address this shortfall, increasing the number of PAs in the state has been identified as a key solution.
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Despite the growing demand for PAs, New Jersey lags behind in terms of PA per capita ratio. According to a 2014 statistical analysis by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, New Jersey ranks 39th in the country in this regard, indicating significant opportunities for PAs to fill crucial healthcare roles and meet the evolving needs of the population.
New Jersey’s Physician Assistants Earn Above the National Average
Physician assistant salaries in New Jersey exceed national averages across all experience levels. Data from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development reveals that the median salary for PAs in New Jersey was $102,370 in 2015—considerably higher than the national median.
Even entry-level PAs in New Jersey command higher salaries than their counterparts nationwide, with those in the 25th percentile earning an average of $86,890 compared to the national average of $82,090.
Salaries for Physician Assistants in Major Metropolitan Areas of New Jersey
Salaries for PAs in New Jersey vary by location, with major metropolitan areas offering competitive compensation packages. For example, PAs in the Atlantic City-Hammonton area earn a median wage of $106,760, while those in the Camden metropolitan division command a median wage of $103,760.
These variations highlight the importance of considering regional factors when assessing PA salaries in New Jersey.
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Conclusion
New Jersey presents promising opportunities for PAs, with competitive salaries and significant job growth expected in the coming years. By understanding regional salary trends and addressing the growing demand for healthcare services, PAs can play a vital role in ensuring access to quality care for residents across the state.
