How much does a cardiothoracic PA make?
Sarah Cherry
Published Mar 14, 2026
How much does a cardiothoracic PA make?
Find out what the average Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant salary is. The average cardiothoracic physician assistant salary in the USA is $144,300 per year or $74 per hour. Entry level positions start at $116,525 per year while most experienced workers make up to $183,555 per year.
How much does a surgical physician assistant make?
Physician Assistant – Surgical Salary
| Percentile | Salary | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 25th Percentile Physician Assistant – Surgical Salary | $107,773 | US |
| 50th Percentile Physician Assistant – Surgical Salary | $121,740 | US |
| 75th Percentile Physician Assistant – Surgical Salary | $133,985 | US |
| 90th Percentile Physician Assistant – Surgical Salary | $145,133 | US |
How long does it take to become a cardiothoracic PA?
To become a cardiothoracic physician assistant (PA), earn a bachelor’s degree in the sciences, then complete a physician assistant’s program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. PA programs typically last about two years.
What does a cardiothoracic surgery physician assistant do?
General responsibilities include examining patients, formulating diagnoses and developing a treatment plan for patients, performing technical, clinical and surgical procedures, documenting patient progress and surgical care.
How much does a neurosurgery PA make?
The national average salary for a Neurosurgery Physician Assistant is $101,811 in United States.
What are the highest paid physician assistants?
Cardiovascular/cardiothoracic surgery topped the list as the highest-paid physician assistant specialty in 2020, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants Salary Report published June 16.
How do I become a surgical physician assistant?
How to Become a Surgical Physician Assistant
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Step 2: Gain Experience Working in Healthcare.
- Step 3: Attend a Physician Assistant Program.
- Step 4: Earn Certification.
- Step 5: Apply for Licensure.
- Step 6: Complete an Optional Surgical PA Residency Program.
What do cardiothoracic physician assistant do?
A cardiothoracic physician assistant works with a cardiothoracic doctor. Physician assistants may perform certain procedures, such as inserting chest tubes or draining fluid from the lungs. Additional duties may include placing intravenous lines in the arteries or veins to draw blood or give medication.
What does a cardiothoracic surgery PA do?
What type of physician assistants make the most money?
How long is a PA surgical residency?
13-month
The physician assistant surgical residency is an intensive 13-month program administered by the department of surgery at Duke University Medical Center. PA surgical residents are members of the surgical team and are involved in preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative patient care.
What is the highest paid PA?
Cardiothoracic/Vascular Surgery (CV) There are 3,158 Physician Assistants practicing in the field of Cardiothoracic/Vascular Surgery. With salaries averaging $125,425 a year, these PA’s top the list of highest paying physician assistant specialties.