| General medical and surgical hospitals | $84,550 |
| Outpatient care centers | 84,390 |
| Offices of physicians | 80,440 |
| Federal Executive Branch | 78,200 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools | 74,200 |
According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ 2008 Census Report, median income for physician assistants in full-time clinical practice was $85,710 in 2008; median income for first-year graduates was $74,470. Income varies by specialty, practice setting, geographical location, and years of experience. Employers often pay for their employees' professional liability insurance, registration fees with the Drug Enforcement Administration, State licensing fees, and credentialing fees.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition