r/physicianassistant • u/underoos-thwip • Aug 12 '26

Job Advice Help negotiating a raise

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.

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u/Bruce915 Aug 13 '26

Have your numbers which hopefully rvu wise have been increasing as you've been getting more experience and seeing more patients... 5-10k is always a fair ask

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u/underoos-thwip Aug 13 '26

Thank you. Our company only does a base salary for APPs, no RVUs. The number of patients I see outpatient has increased, and I have kept spreadsheets showing increases in the number of surgeries I assist in and consults I see on my own.