Orthopedic surgery was the second most common specialty for physician associates to practice in 2024, according to the American Academy of Physicians Associates’ “AAPA 2025 Salary Report.”
During 2024, 11.5% of PAs reported working in orthopedic surgery, second only to family medicine (16.4%).
In addition, PAs in nonmetro areas are more likely to specialize in primary care (43%) than in metro areas (20%).
PA compensation was also on the rise in 2024, up 5.5% from 2023 for an average of $134,000 annually.
PAs working in surgical subspecialties, including orthopedic surgery, earned slightly more than average, at $136,000.
