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Orthopaedic Physician Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants SKILLS ... We provide excellent care for orthopaedic conditions, concerns and injuries of every kind.

Be Seen First

Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants SKILLS ... We provide excellent care for orthopaedic conditions, concerns and injuries of every kind.

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Orthopaedic Physician Assistant information

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$61.5K

$164.9K

$383.5K

How much do orthopaedic physician assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for orthopaedic physician assistant in the United States is $164,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $156,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an orthopaedic physician assistant?

An Orthopaedic Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal conditions. They assist in surgeries, perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans for patients with bone, joint, or muscle issues. Orthopaedic PAs play a critical role in patient care, helping improve access to orthopaedic services and enhancing the efficiency of orthopaedic teams.

What does an orthopaedic physician assistant do?

As an orthopaedic physician assistant, your job is to assist patients with exams and orthopaedic care. In this role, you may support an orthopaedic surgeon during surgeries, use tests to help determine what care a patient needs, and treat minor ailments that may occur after surgery. Orthopaedic physician assistants may be asked to work nights, weekends, or holidays to provide care for patients in the operating room (OR) or orthopaedic clinic, so the ability to adjust your schedule is essential to this role. You must be able to empathize with patients and provide emotional support before, during, and after treatments. In rare cases, you may help provide emergency treatment for patients who have suffered trauma that requires orthopaedic care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an orthopaedic physician assistant?

To thrive as an Orthopaedic Physician Assistant, you need a strong background in human anatomy, musculoskeletal assessment, and surgical assistance, typically supported by a master's degree from an accredited PA program and national certification (PA-C). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), orthopedic imaging systems, and splinting or casting tools is essential. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you effectively interact with patients, surgeons, and interdisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure optimal patient outcomes, efficient clinical workflows, and high standards of care in orthopedic settings.

What are some common challenges orthopaedic physician assistants face when assisting in surgical procedures?

Orthopaedic Physician Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing complex surgical instruments, maintaining sterile technique throughout lengthy procedures, and adapting quickly to the surgeon’s preferences. Additionally, they must ensure clear communication with the surgical team to anticipate needs and respond to unexpected situations. Building experience and staying current with new surgical technologies can help overcome these obstacles and contribute to a smoother, more efficient operating room environment.

What is the difference between Orthopaedic Physician Assistant vs Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner?

AspectOrthopaedic Physician AssistantOrthopaedic Nurse Practitioner
CredentialsMaster's degree, NCCPA certification, physician supervisionMaster's or Doctorate in Nursing, ANCC certification, independent practice with physician collaboration
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, orthopedic practices under physician supervisionHospitals, clinics, orthopedic settings with more autonomous roles
Roles & ResponsibilitiesAssist in surgeries, diagnose, treat musculoskeletal conditions, perform proceduresAssess, diagnose, manage musculoskeletal conditions, prescribe medications, perform procedures

While both roles focus on musculoskeletal care, Orthopaedic Physician Assistants typically work under physician supervision and assist in surgeries, whereas Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioners often have more autonomous practice and focus on patient management and treatment. Both are vital in orthopedic healthcare teams, but their scope and independence differ.

What cities are hiring for Orthopaedic Physician Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Orthopaedic Physician Assistant job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Orthopaedic Physician Assistant jobs?

The top employers for Orthopaedic Physician Assistant jobs are:

What states have the most Orthopaedic Physician Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Orthopaedic Physician Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Orthopaedic Physician Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,860 per year, or $79.3 per hour.

Orthopaedic Physician Assistant

Orthopaedic Associates Llp

Houston, TX • Remote

$105K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

We’re hiring! Orthopaedic Associates is looking for an energetic, self-motivated, and talented PA who enjoys a fast-paced, dynamic practice. This person will be working with one of Houston’s premier orthopaedic surgeons taking care of a large patient base. At Orthopaedic Associates, the Physician Assistant (PA) functions as an advanced practice practitioner. PAs maintain and promote the health of our patients, practicing medicine under the supervision of a licensed, Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon. Our PAs provide diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical and preventative care, under the supervision of a physician. The PA examines, diagnoses, and helps formulate treatment plans for patients. PA functions include obtaining patient histories, performing physical exams, analyzing and interpreting x-rays, diagnostic imaging and lab results, writing prescriptions, ordering various forms of therapy, providing surgical assistance, performing surgical and interventional procedures, and performing wound closures. Our PAs work in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and can perform independently under the license of a physician or as part of a treatment team.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES. Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 25%

• Demonstrates leadership as a clinical resource, inter-professional consultant, and patient advocate. Participates in rounding independently or with physicians/surgeons and attends interdisciplinary rounds, as appropriate, by specialty. (EF)

• Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment. Acts as a role model and coaches staff in effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication. May serve as first call for hospital staff. Serves as preceptor for Physician Assistant students and medical residents, as appropriate (EF)

• Communicates organizational information and aspects of administrative and clinical practice in a respectful and positive manner when interacting with staff. Advocates for a balanced workload, promotes positive behaviors, and peer-to-peer accountability. Facilitates the promotion of teamwork. (EF)

• Collaborates with inter-professional health care team members to manage/coordinate patient care. Advocates on patient/family's behalf to identify and resolve clinical and ethical concerns. (EF)

SERVICE - 20%

• Coordinates appropriate, timely patient care between health care providers and other ancillary clinicians, as appropriate, under a physician license, for a defined patient population(s), focusing on identified expected unit/optimal outcomes, individualized to the patient. (EF)

• Collaborates quality health care with inter-professional team members to manage/coordinate patient care. (EF)

• Responds and is available timely to patient questions/issues that arise as triaged by clinical staff and provides assistance for emergencies, as needed. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 30 %

• Performs independent or delegated functions under physician license, such as diagnosis, use of prescriptive authority, and treatment according to practice guidelines, protocols, and/or standing orders. (EF)

• Reviews medications and test reports on patients, responds to critical test results, and advises on any corrective action based on the results. (EF)

• Conducts comprehensive health assessments (initial, ongoing, discharge), identifies normal/abnormal health characteristics, develops plan of care, initiates appropriate interventions, and evaluates care outcomes on defined patient populations. Performs quality and safe diagnostic, surgical and/or therapeutic procedures necessary for defined patient populations. (EF)

• Assists the inter-professional health care team in the development and implementation of protocols to ensure patient safety. (EF)

FINANCE - 15%

• Performs accurate and timely documentation in medical records, including diagnosis and CPT coding. (EF)

• Implements department strategies to achieve financial target and mentors others to do the same through timely documentation of care, decreasing length of stay, optimizing efficiency, and other areas according to department specifications. Projects awareness and understanding of resource allocation based on patient needs and staff experience, knowledge, and skills. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10 %

• Leads and identifies opportunities for practice changes and process improvement. (EF)

• Fosters identification and implementation of innovative solutions to improve patient care or department operations such as the organization's quality metrics or other department-specific measures by leading and/or participating in department and/or hospital projects/activities or a hospital committee. (EF) This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Orthopaedic Associates reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree

• Graduate from accredited Physician Assistant program by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• One year of clinical and surgical experience preferred

Company Description

The physicians of Orthopaedic Associates, L.L.P., the oldest ongoing orthopaedic group in Houston, believe in the philosophy established by their founding fathers: a conservative approach to surgery, combined with personal attention, provides the best treatment of orthopaedic injuries. Founded in 1950, Orthopaedic Associates was formed to provide excellent orthopaedic treatment and surgery. State-of-the-art facilities located in Heights, Kingwood, and in Katy, offer patients comprehensive treatment and surgery services close to home.