isworthit

Is Physician Assistant a Good Career in Tennessee?

Tennessee · 2026 BLS salary data

Physician Assistant pay in Tennessee

The median wage is $118,240/yr — 13% below the national median. Among U.S. states, Tennesseeranks #48 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Tennessee

Real BLS state-level figures for Physician Assistant.

Median salary
$118,240/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$102,690 – $132,500
National median
$135,880/yr
Employed in Tennessee
2,240

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Tennessee

Salary alone can mislead — Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
91.9
Nominal median
$118,240
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $128,662
State income tax
None

Because Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #46 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #48 on raw salary.

Tennessee levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Physician Assistant nationally — Tennessee pay is 13% below the national median. See the full Physician Assistant career guide →

The verdict

Yes — physician assistant offers near-physician-level pay and scope with far less training than medical school, plus very fast growth. The catch is a competitive, demanding master's program and significant debt.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • High pay with much-faster-than-average growth
  • Broad medical scope without med school or residency
  • Flexibility to switch specialties
  • Strong job security and demand
  • Shorter path than becoming a physician

Cons

  • Competitive, intense master's program
  • Significant graduate debt
  • High responsibility and liability
  • Demanding hours in some specialties
  • Prerequisite clinical hours before applying

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People wanting medical work without med school
  • Those who can handle a rigorous graduate program
  • Anyone valuing specialty flexibility

✗ Probably not if…

  • People unwilling to take on graduate debt
  • Those seeking a quick, low-barrier entry

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Physician Assistant is worth it — titles link to the original threads.