Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks the “best jobs” based on universally desired career qualities, such as higher salaries, ample job opportunities, and paths to promotion.1 In 2026, “physician assistant” (PA) finished 2nd in healthcare careers and 5th overall.2: So, is a physician assistant a good career? Let's explore the reasons behind the ranking and what it means for your future in medicine.
2026 U.S. News Rankings: PAs Earn National Recognition
in Healthcare
in STEM
Overall
For the 9th consecutive year, PAs have secured a top 10 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s best jobs in healthcare. In 2026, PAs were also ranked 4th in best STEM jobs and 5th among the 100 best jobs overall.3
| PA Scorecard | 7.0 |
|---|---|
| Wage Potential | 7.3 |
| Employment | 5.3 |
| Future Prospects | 8.9 |
| Comfort | 5.8 |
| Work-Life Balance | 5.1 |
PAs achieved such a high rank in large part due to the career’s future prospects (8.9/10) and wage potential (7.3/10).2 In U.S. News’ scoring system, these 2 factors are weighted most heavily because they represent career stability and impact.1
Physician Assistant Job Outlook: 20% Growth Through 2034
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 20% employment growth for physician assistants from 2024 to 2034. In contrast, the average growth rate for all occupations is 3%. In 2024, there were an estimated 162,700 PAs. By 2034, this number is expected to grow by over 33,000.4
PAs help address critical access gaps in hospitals, clinics, outpatient settings, and every specialty from primary care to surgery. In an aging population with growing healthcare needs, this demand translates into exceptional job security and opportunity wherever you choose to practice.
Competitive Compensation That Rewards Your Expertise
The median annual pay for physician assistants was $133,260 in May 2024, according to the latest BLS data. This translates to about $64 per hour. The median annual wage for all workers was $49,500.4
| Bottom 10% | 50% (Median) | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|
| Under $95,240 | $133,260 | Over $182,200 |
This financial stability, combined with lower educational debt compared to physicians, makes the PA path both accessible and rewarding.
Work-Life Balance and Career Flexibility
At 5.1/10, work-life balance was the lowest-rated metric on U.S. News’ PA scorecard. However, a score of around 5 was common for healthcare roles due to the industry’s nature, with some scoring higher or lower.5
- Nurse Anesthetist: 3
- Nurse Practitioner: 5.2
- Physical Therapist: 5.2
- Registered Nurse: 5.4
- Occupational Therapist: 6.7
PAs benefit from a strong work-life balance supported by a team-based care model that supports meaningful patient care without the same burnout risks faced in many other healthcare roles. PAs enjoy versatility across specialties and settings, the ability to pivot without additional lengthy training, and full-time schedules that often allow for personal time.
Your Clear Path Forward: From School to Practice
Whether you dream of emergency medicine, primary care, surgical specialties, or something else, a physician assistant career offers the flexibility to explore and grow at every stage. The entire process to become a PA usually takes 6 to 7 years and can be broken up into 4 steps:
- Undergraduate Studies: Many PAs find it helpful to major in biology or chemistry.
- PA School: This consists of classroom-based didactic education and clinical rotations.
- PA Certification: You must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- Certified PA: Begin your career and consider choosing a specialty.
Why This Ranking Matters for Your Physician Assistant Career
Achieving the #2 best healthcare job and #5 best overall job is proof that a physician assistant career delivers career stability, strong growth prospects, excellent pay, and the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. Healthcare is a dynamic, high-stakes industry where change is the norm.
Despite this, “physician assistant” continues to rank among the top career choices year after year. In fact, it’s one of the most respected, future-proof careers in American healthcare. Your impact starts here. Data shows that the opportunities ahead are brighter than ever.
- U.S. News & World Report L.P. Jan. 13, 2026. How U.S. News Ranks the Best Jobs retrieved from https://careers.usnews.com/advice/articles/how-us-news-ranks-the-best-jobs
- U.S. News & World Report L.P. 2026. Physician Assistant Overview retrieved from https://careers.usnews.com/best-jobs/physician-assistant
- American Academy of Physician Associates. Jan. 23, 2026. PA Again Named #2 Best Health Care Job in U.S. News & World Report Rankings retrieved from https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2026/01/pa-again-named-2-best-health-care-job-in-u-s-news-world-report-rankings/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Aug. 28, 2025. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physician Assistants retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm
- U.S. News & World Report L.P. 2026. Best Health Care Jobs retrieved from https://careers.usnews.com/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs
