Physician Assistant Jobs in San Francisco, CA
About Physician Assistant Jobs in San Francisco
Looking for a Physician Assistant job in San Francisco? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Physician Assistant in San Francisco, CA.
We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.
San Francisco has a strong job market for Physician Assistants. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.
Physician Assistant Salary in San Francisco
Physician Assistant salaries in San Francisco are 79% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.
Purchasing power in San Francisco is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.
Required Skills
Physician Assistant Job Market in San Francisco
San Francisco, CA is one of America's premier job markets for Physician Assistant professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 874K residents, San Francisco balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Technology and Finance sectors create robust demand for Physician Assistant talent. The market for Physician Assistant positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.
Top Companies Hiring Physician Assistants in San Francisco
Major employers hiring Physician Assistants in San Francisco include UCSF Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, Dignity Health. With major hospital systems and research institutions, San Francisco offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
Cost of Living for Physician Assistants in San Francisco
Living in San Francisco as a Physician Assistant means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (179% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,400/month (89% above the national average of $1,800). At median Physician Assistant salary, housing is quite affordable at 20% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $2,600/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.
Commuting as a Physician Assistant in San Francisco
San Francisco BART rapid transit, Muni buses and light rail, plus ferry service. The average commute time is 34 minutes. BART connects downtown to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport. Caltrain serves the Peninsula and South Bay tech corridor.
Best neighborhoods for Physician Assistants in San Francisco: SoMa (Historic tech hub with Salesforce Tower and countless startups); Financial District (Corporate tech offices and financial services); Mission Bay (Newer development with biotech and tech companies). SoMa is particularly popular among Physician Assistant professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.
Tax Considerations in California
California has relatively high state income taxes. A Physician Assistant earning $201,375 might pay approximately $16,110 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.
Career Outlook for Physician Assistants
The job outlook for Physician Assistants in San Francisco is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, San Francisco typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, Procedures.
Relocating to San Francisco
San Francisco has a very high cost of living. Many Physician Assistants negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physician Assistant salary in San Francisco, CA?
The average Physician Assistant salary in San Francisco, CA is $201,375 per year. Entry-level Physician Assistants typically start around $144,543, while experienced professionals can earn $267,605 or more. The national average for Physician Assistant roles is $112,500.
How many Physician Assistant jobs are available in San Francisco?
San Francisco has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Physician Assistant professionals. Major employers hiring Physician Assistants include UCSF Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, Dignity Health. The Technology and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.
Is San Francisco a good city for Physician Assistants?
San Francisco is an excellent choice for Physician Assistants. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.
What skills are most in-demand for Physician Assistants in San Francisco?
Top skills for Physician Assistants in San Francisco include Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, Procedures, Patient Care. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.
What is the cost of living for Physician Assistants in San Francisco?
San Francisco's cost of living is significantly above the national average (179% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,400/month. Purchasing power in San Francisco is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.
How is the commute for Physician Assistants in San Francisco?
San Francisco BART rapid transit, Muni buses and light rail, plus ferry service. The average commute is 34 minutes. BART connects downtown to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport.
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