Recently, U.S. News and World Report named physician assistant (PA) the No. 3 best job overall and the No. 2 best health care job — and for good reason. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for PAs is expected to grow 20% between 2024 and 2034, significantly outpacing the national average.
While demand is high, finding the right PA job can also require strategy. Here are a few tips to help guide the process.
Consider the work environment
PAs work in a variety of environments. Some PAs work in hospitals, while others prefer outpatient clinics or specialty practices. A growing number are choosing in‑home health visits because of the flexibility and unrushed nature of the job. So, when looking for opportunities for PAs, focus on the setting that’s most aligned with your career objectives.
Search by location
If you’re willing to relocate, looking for PA jobs in high-demand areas can open up more opportunities and stronger compensation packages. States like New York, California, Florida and Texas consistently report high employment levels for PAs, while cities like Los Angeles, Boston and New York City tend to offer lots of opportunities across specialties. Alternatively, you can think beyond big cities. Some of the most rewarding work happens in rural communities where health care access is limited and advanced practice clinicians are especially valued.
Lean into your networks
Job boards aren’t the only place to find PA jobs; some of the best opportunities come from professional connections. Alumni associations, LinkedIn and national organizations like the American Academy of Physician Associates can help you tap into openings that aren’t usually posted online.
Growing in your career as a PA means making smart choices about where, how and why you work. From licensing logistics to lifestyle fit, here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your next steps.
Licensing
If you’re looking for out-of-state opportunities, your credentials may not automatically transfer. While select states can grant PA licenses in short time frames, as efficient as several weeks, others may involve more extensive documentation or longer processing times.
Burnout
Like many health care professionals, PAs experience burnout risk due to long hours, administrative load and emotional fatigue. Finding roles with more flexibility or support, like in-home care or team-based models, can also help reduce burnout.
Specialty
Switching specialties isn’t unusual in the PA field. Some clinicians switch based on personal interest, lifestyle needs or a desire for professional growth. With the right certifications and mentorship, a transition from orthopedics to pediatrics or urgent care to behavioral health, for example, can open up a more fulfilling chapter in your career.
Personal values
If you’re working in health care, your career should feel like a reflection of what matters to you. For example, many PAs find working in roles that include personalized, in-home visits can help them reconnect with their purpose.
If you’re looking for your next PA opportunity and want meaningful, flexible work that prioritizes real person-to-person connection, in-home health services could be the right fit.
At Signify Health, we support personalized, comprehensive In-Home Health Evaluations with tools that help you focus on what matters: delivering high-quality support right in people’s homes.
Partner with Signify Health to improve health care outcomes and close care gaps.
How do PAs find jobs?
Most PAs find jobs through online job boards, referrals, networking and professional associations. Others secure opportunities through alumni groups or clinical rotations or by reaching out directly to health care organizations that match their goals.
Is it hard to get hired as a PA?
Getting hired as a PA might be more difficult if you’re newly graduated, especially in saturated markets or popular specialties. However, candidates who are flexible on location and have good clinical references tend to find opportunities more easily. Taking a temporary or locum tenens position can also be a good way to gain experience and get your foot in the door while you find your ideal position.
Which PA specialty is most in demand?
Demand is high in many PA specialties, especially in primary care, emergency medicine, behavioral health and surgical subspecialties. Rural and underserved areas also tend to have a strong need for PAs across disciplines.