Here’s Why You Should Take AAPA’s 2026 Salary Survey 

‘Having current salary information supports my career’

January 23, 2026 

Every year, thousands of physician associates reference the AAPA Salary Report—like Adrian Banning, DHSc, MMS, PA-C. An educator and researcher, Banning relies on the annual AAPA Salary Report to help determine the appropriate salary for her role and experience.  

“I have successfully negotiated a higher salary many times using this information, whether changing jobs or after obtaining my doctoral degree,” Banning said. “If you aren’t using current data, you will have no other way to know if you are being given a fair offer or being paid fairly.” 

Every PA can support their colleagues and be a part of the next Salary Report by taking the 2026 AAPA Salary Survey, which takes just fifteen minutes to complete. Students, too, can contribute by taking the 2026 Student Survey.  

Collecting quality, robust data 
When more PAs participate by sharing their compensation and benefit information, AAPA can provide better quality data in the next Salary Report. This is particularly important for PAs practicing in smaller specialties, uncommon settings, and less populated states.  

“It works best when many people respond so we have the most clear understanding possible,” Banning said.  

Quality, robust data also supports the ability for PAs to customize the AAPA Salary Report to fit their unique employment situation. “Because salary can differ so widely between PAs, customization is necessary,” Banning said. “Having current salary information supports my career by helping me know if I’m being compensated fairly.” 

Fueling AAPA’s advocacy work 
Taking the Salary Survey supports the whole PA profession, because the data collected is crucial for advocacy efforts at both the state and federal level. As AAPA works to advance the PA profession, it’s necessary to have compelling data that demonstrates how much PAs contribute to our healthcare system.  

We use the data collected through the Salary Survey to create resources like State Practice Profiles, which provide a high-level overview of PA practice in a given state. These are useful tools for helping legislators understand the invaluable role PAs play in their state.  

Supporting PA researchers 
The core of the Salary Survey takes just fifteen minutes to complete—but to support PA researchers, there are additional, optional surveys you can complete. Topics include how PAs are utilizing educational resources, and burnout and wellbeing in the PA workforce.  You can complete as many (or as few) as you would like. 

Making student voices heard 
The Student Survey is the only survey sent annually to students and pre-PAs. This survey asks about topics like experiences applying for PA school and anticipated practice characteristics. By sharing your responses, you’ll help us provide member benefits aligned with what students need most.  

Students can also help us better predict what settings and specialties will be most popular in the future, and we can be prepared to meet your needs once you’re practicing clinically. This is your best opportunity as a PA student or pre-PA to share your thoughts, so don’t miss out! 

The Salary Survey and the Student Survey are now open for responses.  

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