Side by side
| Nurse practitioner | Physician assistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | RN license | Bachelor's degree and patient care experience |
| Graduate training | At least a master's in an NP role | Master's program, at least 2 years |
| National exam | NP certification exam | PANCE |
| Credential | State APRN license | State PA license, PA-C |
| Median pay (BLS, May 2025) | $132,300 | $135,880 |
| Median hourly | $63.61 | $65.33 |
| Employed in the U.S. | 323,040 | 162,150 |
| Projected growth, 2025–35 | 41% | 21.1% |
| Typical entry education (BLS) | Master's degree | Master's degree |
Who earns more in your state
Different routes, similar clinical work
The biggest difference is how you get there. NP training builds on nursing, and programs are organized around a specific role. PA programs usually include rotations across several specialties, such as family and emergency medicine.
Working with physicians
Most states require physician assistants to hold an agreement with a supervising physician. NP independence is set state by state through APRN rules, so it is worth checking the state where you plan to work.
Job growth
Both are projected to grow much faster than average, at 41% for nurse practitioners and 21.1% for physician assistants between 2025 and 2035.
Questions people ask
Who gets paid more, an NP or a PA?
PAs had a slightly higher national median in May 2025: $135,880, compared with $132,300 for NPs. The gap was $3,580.
Can a PA become an NP?
There is no direct bridge. A PA who wanted to become an NP would need to qualify as a registered nurse first.
Which takes longer?
It depends on your starting point. Both generally require a bachelor's degree plus graduate study, and NPs also need RN licensure.
Sources
General information, not career advice. Scope of practice and licensing differ by state: confirm them with your state board.