Career comparison
Health Sciences Professor vs. Physician Assistant
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Physician assistants earn more at the median ($135,880 vs. $107,310), while physician assistants usually get to work faster (About 6–7 years after high school of training). Health sciences professors teach future doctors, therapists and health professionals. Physician assistants examine, diagnose and treat patients as part of a physician-led team.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Health Sciences Professor | Physician Assistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $107,310 | $135,880 ($65.33/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $59,270 – $322,020 | $99,380 – $190,280 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +17.9% (much faster than average) | +21.1% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 24,900 | 11,500 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Master's degree |
| Training time | 8+ years | About 6–7 years after high school |
| Key credential | Professional license | PA-C (NCCPA certification) |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, simulation labs, clinics and hospitals.. | PAs work in clinics, hospitals, emergency departments and operating rooms.. |
What each job does
Health Sciences Professor
- Teach health science courses
- Supervise clinical training
- Conduct health research
- Practice clinically
- Mentor students
Physician Assistant
- Take medical histories and examine patients
- Order and interpret tests
- Diagnose illnesses and injuries
- Prescribe medications
- Perform procedures and assist in surgery
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, high-pay, in-demand, and high responsibility. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and healthcare, but share transferable skills such as mentoring and communication.
Which should you choose?
Choose health sciences professor if…
- I love my health profession
- I want to teach
- I enjoy mentoring students
Choose physician assistant if…
- I want to diagnose and treat patients
- I love science
- I want a faster path than medical school
Still torn? Take the Health Sciences Professor fit quiz and the Physician Assistant fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, health sciences professor or physician assistant?
Physician Assistants earn more at the median: $135,880 versus $107,310 for health sciences professors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Physician Assistants typically train faster (About 6–7 years after high school) than health sciences professors (8+ years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects physician assistants to grow +21.1% from 2025–35, compared with +17.9% for health sciences professors.