Answer: On a $125,000 PA salary in NYC, your take-home is approximately $3,238 per paycheck ($84,200 annually) after federal, NY State, NYC local taxes, and FICA.
NYC Physician Assistant Salary Range (2026)
| PA Level / Setting | Annual Salary | Approx. Net/Year | Bi-Weekly Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| New PA-C (0–2 yrs) | ~$105,000 | ~$72,900 | ~$2,804 |
| Experienced PA (3–7 yrs) | ~$125,000 | ~$84,200 | ~$3,238 |
| Senior PA / Surgical PA | ~$145,000 | ~$96,500 | ~$3,712 |
| PA in Ortho / Neuro Surgery | ~$160,000 | ~$105,500 | ~$4,058 |
Tax Breakdown: $125,000 PA Salary in NYC
| Tax / Deduction | Per Bi-Weekly Check | Annual Amount | % of Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $4,807.69 | $125,000 | 100% |
| Federal Income Tax | −$772.31 | −$20,080 | 16.1% |
| NY State Income Tax | −$290.58 | −$7,555 | 6.0% |
| NYC Local Tax | −$220.31 | −$5,728 | 4.6% |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | −$367.79 | −$9,563 | 7.7% |
| Net Take-Home | $3,156.70 | $82,074 | 65.7% |
Your effective total tax rate at $125,000 is approximately 34.3%. Contributing to a 401(k) or 403(b) up to the $23,500 limit can reduce your taxable income meaningfully at this bracket.
PA vs. NP vs. MD: How PA Pay Compares
PA vs. Nurse Practitioner in NYC
PAs and NPs compete for similar clinical roles and earn nearly identical base salaries in most settings ($115,000–$135,000). The key professional distinction in New York: NPs have full practice authority, while PAs require a formal collaboration agreement with a supervising physician. In practice, both work quite autonomously at most major NYC healthcare systems. PAs in high-acuity surgical specialties (orthopedics, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery) often out-earn NPs in those same specialties by $15,000–$30,000 due to first-assist surgical premiums and call pay.
PA vs. Physician (MD/DO)
The PA path is significantly shorter and less expensive than the MD pathway. PA school is typically 27 months (master's level), costing $80,000–$120,000 total, compared to 4 years of medical school ($200,000–$350,000) plus 3–7 years of residency at sub-market wages. A PA earning $125,000 starting immediately after graduation can accumulate substantially more wealth in their 30s than a physician still in residency earning $65,000 with $300,000 in debt. The trade-off: physicians eventually earn $200,000–$500,000+, a ceiling PAs rarely reach.
Hospital vs. Urgent Care vs. Private Practice
Major NYC hospital systems pay PAs $115,000–$140,000 with benefits. Urgent care chains offer $125,000–$140,000 with predictable hours and no overnight call. Private surgical practices can pay $140,000–$175,000 for experienced PAs who perform first-assist roles in the OR. Dermatology and aesthetics practices in Manhattan pay PAs $130,000–$165,000 based on production models tied to procedures performed.
Specialty PA Pay Premiums in NYC
Surgical PAs: First-assist surgical PAs in orthopedics, cardiac surgery, and neurosurgery earn $145,000–$175,000 at NYC academic medical centers. Weekend and overnight call adds further premium. This is the highest-earning PA path in NYC.
Emergency Medicine PAs: ER PAs at major NYC trauma centers earn $135,000–$155,000, with shift differentials for overnight and weekend coverage. NYC's Level I trauma centers (Bellevue, Kings County, Lincoln) command premium pay for experienced ED PAs.
Dermatology/Aesthetics PAs: A growing category in Manhattan. Aesthetic dermatology PAs at concierge practices earn $130,000–$165,000 with production bonuses tied to Botox, filler, and laser revenue. Patient populations in the Upper East Side and Midtown generate high volumes that translate directly to PA income.
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Use the Free Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions: NYC PA Salary
How much does a PA make in NYC after taxes?
A PA earning the median $125,000 in NYC takes home approximately $82,000–$84,000 per year, or about $3,160–$3,230 per bi-weekly paycheck, after all taxes. Pre-tax 401(k)/403(b) contributions reduce taxable income and increase net take-home at this income level.
Do PAs earn more than NPs in NYC?
In most outpatient and hospital settings, PAs and NPs earn similarly ($115,000–$135,000). Surgical PAs — particularly in orthopedics and neurosurgery — frequently out-earn NPs by $15,000–$30,000 due to OR first-assist compensation. In primary care and urgent care, compensation is nearly identical.
Which PA specialty pays the most in NYC?
Surgical PAs (orthopedic, cardiovascular, neurosurgery) earn the most in NYC, often $145,000–$175,000. Emergency medicine PAs earn $135,000–$155,000. Aesthetic dermatology PAs with strong production bonuses can also reach $150,000+ at high-volume Manhattan practices.