ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Physician Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhysician Assistant JobsPhysician Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL

Physician Assistant information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$54.8K

$112.7K

$166.4K

How much do physician assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for physician assistant in Decatur, AL is $112,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,700.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Physician Assistant vs Nurse Practitioner?

AspectPhysician AssistantNurse Practitioner
Required CredentialsMaster's degree, NCCPA certification, state licensureMaster's or Doctorate in Nursing, national certification, state licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, physician offices, urgent carePrimary care clinics, specialty clinics, hospitals
Scope of PracticeDiagnose, treat, prescribe, assist in surgeries (varies by state)Diagnose, treat, prescribe, often with more autonomy in primary care

Both Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are advanced healthcare providers with similar roles in patient care, often working collaboratively with physicians. While their training backgrounds differ, both can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications, but scope of practice varies by state and setting. Understanding these differences helps patients and employers choose the right provider for specific healthcare needs.

What are some common challenges Physician Assistants face when working in a fast-paced clinical environment?

Physician Assistants (PAs) often encounter challenges such as balancing a high patient load, managing complex cases, and adapting to rapidly changing priorities in busy clinical settings. They must efficiently collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deliver quality care while maintaining thorough documentation. Time management and effective communication are crucial skills, as PAs are frequently relied upon to make quick decisions and support multiple patients simultaneously. Despite these challenges, the role offers valuable opportunities to expand clinical expertise and build strong professional relationships within the healthcare team.

Can you make $200,000 as a PA?

Physician assistants can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with experience, specialization, or working in high-demand areas. Salaries vary based on location, practice setting, and years of experience, with some PAs reaching or exceeding this level through overtime, leadership roles, or working in specialized fields like surgery or emergency medicine.

Who gets paid more, NP or PA?

Physician assistants (PAs) generally earn higher average salaries than nurse practitioners (NPs), with PAs often making a few thousand dollars more annually. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and specialty, but PAs typically have higher earning potential in clinical settings. Both roles require advanced certifications and clinical training, but PAs usually have a broader scope of practice in some regions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physician Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physician Assistant, you need a solid background in medical sciences, clinical diagnostics, and patient care, typically achieved through a master's degree from an accredited PA program and national certification (PA-C). Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, diagnostic tools, and practice management software is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and effective communication help PAs build trust with patients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These competencies enable Physician Assistants to deliver high-quality, efficient care and respond effectively in diverse clinical environments.

What is the highest paid PA job?

The highest paid Physician Assistant roles are often in specialized fields such as surgical subspecialties, emergency medicine, or anesthesiology, where PAs can earn higher salaries due to the complexity of care and required expertise. Salaries for top-paying PA positions can exceed $130,000 annually, especially with experience, certifications, and working in high-demand environments or regions. Advanced certifications and specialized training can further increase earning potential.

What Do Physician Assistants Do?

Physician Assistants, or PAs, work in hospitals and medical practices in routine and emergency situations. The duties of a Physician Assistant vary from obtaining patient histories to performing medical procedures and assisting in surgical operations. Their scope of practice varies depending on the state; however, in general, Physician Assistants perform many of the same job duties as medical doctors. They may conduct physical exams, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medication.

What is a Physician Assistant?

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. PAs are trained to perform a variety of tasks, including conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, and prescribing medications. They work in a range of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers, often serving as vital members of a healthcare team. PAs must complete a master's degree program and pass a national certification exam to practice. Their role helps to expand access to quality medical care, especially in underserved areas.

Is PA becoming oversaturated?

The Physician Assistant profession has experienced growth due to increasing healthcare demand, and while some regions may see more competition, overall job opportunities remain strong. PAs with specialized skills, certification, and experience tend to have better employment prospects, and the field continues to expand in various healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics.
More about Physician Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Physician jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Physician jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Physician Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL? For Physician Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physician Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Physician Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Physician Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Physician Assistant job openings:
Physician Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physician Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,693 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant-Cardiac Short Stay-PRN-1st Shift

Huntsville Hospital Health System

Huntsville, AL

$108K - $139K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Huntsville Hospital Health System rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 203 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

731st of 875 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

The nurse practitioner/physician assistant provides comprehensive direct patient care and scholarly practice including obtaining comprehensive patient histories, performing complete physical examination, ordering and performing diagnostic testing and screening, diagnosing illness, prescribing both pharmacological and other treatments for patients, and providing health maintenance and promotion interventions such as patient and family education and counseling. Also, the NP assumes accountability for indirect care responsibilities, which support patient care including staff and student education, clinical research, program development, and quality improvement.

Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:Education: Completion of Nurse Practitioner Masters of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university or graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program. Successful completion of a National Certification Exam for NP or PA, current registration through the Alabama board of Nursing and Board of Medical Examiners, and approval of the Huntsville Hospital credentialing board.Experience:Minimum 3 years full time ER or Critical Care RN and/or CRNP/PA experience recommended.Additional Skills/Abilities:Must have excellent communication skills with the ability to work independently in a fast paced environment, requiring prioritizing and changing tasks frequently and quickly. Must have knowledge of all equipment and materials required for procedures described in the Emergency Care Center Policy/Procedure Manual and Nursing Service Procedure Manual. BLS for Healthcare Providers must be obtained in orientation period. ACLS must be obtained within the first 6 months of employment and maintained current. TNCC must be obtained within the first 2 years of employment and maintained current. PALS is highly recommended. Department specific competencies must be completed within the provisional period and maintained current.

Employment Type: OTHER

What Huntsville Hospital Health System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply