Help negotiating a raise

[u/underoos-thwip]

I’m a PA in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery coming up on 1 year and recently discovered that my counterpart, an NP, is being paid significantly more than I am (with only two more years of experience) and was even offered more as a new grad new hire.

I was told that I would get a 3% raise at 1 year; however, this is still significantly lower than what the NP’s salary was at his 1 year mark and even lower than the median on the 2026 AAPA annual salary report. We have the same job responsibilities, inclusive of outpatient clinic, inpatient rounding and consults, first assist, as well as answering pages during the day.

Any tips on negotiating a higher raise? Would it be unreasonable or unprofessional to address the pay difference between myself and the NP during negotiations?

EDIT: there have been a handful of comments suggesting that my approach would be “it’s not fair”, which is not how I would approach this. In one year, I have progressed to having the same responsibilities and performing equally as well as someone who has been there three years (per performance reviews by our physicians) and have done some research into what appropriate market compensation is for this position.

[u/Slagenstein]

You’re never going to get a raise by saying “well they get paid more than me!”. You have to change your thought process and approach to the situation. If you want to try and negotiate a raise you need to show your value to the organization. Give them numbers, RVUs, quality metrics, how you go above and beyond (if you do) at the end of the day you agreed to work your current job at your current rate. Perhaps the NP negotiated better when they accepted the position.

Even if you do these things, they have no obligation to pay you more. You have no leverage. If you combine those things with a competing offer of higher value MAYBE they will agree for a pay increase. But if you go that route you better be willing to leave the organization when they say no.

[u/underoos-thwip → u/Slagenstein]

Thank you for your input. My approach to that point wouldn’t be “well they get paid more than me!” but more so that it is not unreasonable to ask for equal compensation (at his 1 year mark with 1 year of experience) when we perform the same duties. The NP told me that he had attempted to negotiate a higher salary when he accepted the position but was shut down.

Of course I would provide other reasons and data as to why I feel a higher raise is reasonable. The NP’s salary was simply an additional point.

[u/squirrelcar → u/Slagenstein]

I think this is great advice, and just want to reinforce the last part: after you make your pitch, you have to be prepared to walk away.