Physician Assistant Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $80.41 (2026)

For part-time physician assistants working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, the annual income can be quite favorable, despite being less than a full-time salary. For example, if someone works consistently at the median hourly rate, they could earn about $98,548 annually compared to those working full-time. The per diem physician assistant pay in Los Angeles varies widely; locum positions can bring in between $75 and $130 per hour, with orthopedic surgical PAs potentially earning $1,200 to $1,800 daily for operating room coverage. Emergency medicine shifts often yield substantial pay, ranging from $900 to $1,400 for a standard 12-hour shift. Additionally, hourly wages can differ notably across employer types, with health systems generally offering W-2 positions with benefits, contrasted against higher-paying 1099 arrangements that may sacrifice stability in exchange for flexibility. This situation requires careful negotiation around pay rates and benefits, as many physicians assistants weigh the financial trade-offs between lower hourly rates with robust health insurance and higher-paying roles without benefits, especially in a cost-intensive environment like Los Angeles, CA.