Most physician associates work in family medicine, according to the 2025 American Academy of Physician Associates Salary Survey.
PAs specializing in primary care are more commonly found in nonmetro areas rather than in metro areas (43% versus 20%).
Report authors surveyed 9,789 non-retired PAs in the U.S. between Jan. 14 and Feb. 28, 2025.
Here are the most common specialties for PAs:
Family medicine: 16.4%
Orthopedic surgery: 11.5%
Emergency medicine: 7.8%
Urgent care: 4.6%
Internal medicine: 4.6%
Dermatology: 4.2%
Hospital medicine: 3.4%
Cardiology: 3.1%
