AAPA National Salary Survey shines light on Plastic Surgery PAs

February 2014 finally brought the 2013 AAPA national salary survey to our mailboxes! The survey was the most comprehensive compilation of data regarding PA practice to date and highlights some of the benefits of the practicing PA in Plastic Surgery:

• More than 18,000 PAs responded to the survey, only 84 respondents selected Plastic Surgery as their subspecialty.
• The median earnings for a PA (any specialty) noted for 2013 were $90,000 for PAs on salary and $100,000 for those PAs who collected a salary plus a bonus. Specifically in plastic surgery, this ranges from $85,000 to $120,000.
• The majority of employers (any specialty) covered 100% of the cost of professional liability insurance, but only half of employers covered 50% or more of personal/family medical insurance costs.
• Approximately 70% of employers completely covered the cost of state licensure, DEA registration, NCCPA fees and AAPA Membership. Costs such as the AAPA conference, other professional organization fees, CME expenses, journals and travel reimbursement were not routinely covered.

More details have been requested from the AAPA specific to Plastic Surgery and will be posted as soon as we receive them. As always, every PA’s situation is unique, so these numbers are only a guideline. Make sure to establish a contract (reviewed by an attorney) and collaborative agreement with your supervising physician prior to engaging in any work relationship. See our link related to “Employment Contracts” for more information and examples.