What is the average salary for Physician Assistants (PAs) in Hawaii?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for Physician Assistants (PAs) in Hawaii is $113,280 as of May 2020.

Are there variations in PA salaries based on geographic regions in Hawaii?

Yes, there are variations in PA salaries based on geographic regions in Hawaii. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Physician Assistant (PA) in Honolulu, Hawaii is $106,938, while the average salary for a Physician Assistant (PA) in Hilo, Hawaii is $86,925.

What factors, such as experience or specialization, can impact PA salary in Hawaii?

1. Years of experience: As a PA gains more and more experience, their salary will likely increase as they gain a better understanding of the profession.

2. Specialization: As a PA specializes in a certain area, they may be able to command a higher salary than a PA who works in a generalist role.

3. Location: PAs in Hawaii may be able to demand higher salaries due to the higher cost of living in the state compared to other states.

4. Job responsibilities: The nature of the job (e.g., emergency room vs primary care) can also affect how much a PA is paid in Hawaii. A PA who works in an emergency room or trauma center may earn more than one who works in primary care.

5. Employer: Private practices may be able to offer higher salaries to PAs than hospitals or clinics due to the increased flexibility and autonomy that comes with working in a private setting.

What benefits, such as healthcare, retirement, or tuition assistance, are typically offered to PAs in Hawaii?

The benefits available to PAs in Hawaii vary depending on their employer. However, most employers offer some form of healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. Health insurance is typically offered through a number of plans, such as HMOs and PPOs, and may include medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement benefits may include 401(k) plans, pension plans, and 457 deferred compensation plans. Tuition assistance may be offered by employers in the form of reimbursement or tuition discounts.

Are there opportunities for salary growth and advancement for PAs in Hawaii?

Yes, there are opportunities for salary growth and advancement for PAs in Hawaii. The number of PAs in the state has grown significantly in recent years, and salaries are increasing as a result. Additionally, many employers offer bonuses and other incentives for PAs to encourage them to stay with the organization. With experience, PAs can expect to progress into higher roles with increased responsibilities and salaries.

How do PA salaries compare to the national average for physician assistants in Hawaii?

The average salary for physician assistants in Hawaii is slightly higher than the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for physician assistants was $106,860 in 2019. The median wage for physician assistants in Hawaii was $107,170 in 2019. This means that physician assistants in Hawaii earn slightly more than the national average for physician assistants.

Is there a demand for PAs, and how does the job market outlook look for PAs in Hawaii?

Yes, there is a demand for PAs in Hawaii. According to the Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the job market outlook for Physician Assistants looks strong. The number of employed Physician Assistants in Hawaii is expected to grow by 20 percent between 2018 and 2028, with an average of 50 job openings per year.

Are there specific healthcare sectors, such as primary care, surgery, or specialty practices, that have a higher demand for PAs in Hawaii?

Yes, there are certain healthcare sectors in Hawaii that have a higher demand for PAs. Primary care is one of the most in-demand areas, followed by surgery and specialty practices. There are also opportunities in emergency medicine, geriatrics, psychiatry, and women’s health. The Hawaii Medical Service Association states that primary care is a ‘critical need’ for the state of Hawaii.

Is there a demand for bilingual or multilingual PAs in healthcare settings that serve diverse communities in Hawaii?

Yes, there is a demand for bilingual or multilingual PAs in healthcare settings that serve diverse communities in Hawaii. With Hawaii’s large and growing population of immigrants and people of diverse backgrounds, many healthcare providers are looking for bilingual or multilingual PAs to better serve their patients. Additionally, the Hawaii State Legislature recently passed a law that requires healthcare providers to provide interpreters or bilingual staff to assist those with limited English proficiency.

What is the employment growth rate for PAs, and are there expected shortages in the healthcare workforce in Hawaii?

The employment growth rate for PAs in Hawaii is projected to be 19% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the national rate of 16%.

Yes, there are expected shortages in the healthcare workforce in Hawaii. The Hawaii Health Workforce Report 2020 found that there were “high levels of unmet need” for many healthcare professions including PAs. The report also highlighted the need for “a greater number of qualified and culturally competent healthcare professionals to serve the population” in Hawaii.

What are the employment benefits and opportunities for career advancement’s healthcare facilities for PAs in Hawaii?

Employment benefits and opportunities for career advancement for PAs in Hawaii vary depending on the healthcare facility. Common benefits and opportunities may include competitive salaries, flexible scheduling, health care and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, and career development opportunities. PAs in Hawaii may also have access to continuing education courses, research opportunities, leadership roles, and professional certification.

Do PAs with specialized certifications or advanced practice roles have increased job opportunities and earning potential in Hawaii?

Yes, PAs with specialized certifications or advanced practice roles have increased job opportunities and earning potential in Hawaii. The Hawaii Medical Board requires that PA’s complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification, and many employers prefer PAs with specialized certifications or advanced practice roles. In addition, PAs with specialized certifications or advanced practice roles may be eligible for higher salaries than those without such credentials. For example, Hawaii employers often offer incentives such as bonuses, incentive pay, and other benefits to PAs with advanced practice roles. Additionally, according to the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the median salary for PAs in Hawaii is $90,000, which is higher than the national median of $87,000.

Are there opportunities for immigrants, including those with language skills, to find employment in healthcare facilities in Hawaii?

Yes, there are a number of opportunities for immigrants with language skills to find employment in healthcare facilities in Hawaii. Many healthcare facilities provide language services for patients and require bilingual staff to provide them, so there may be openings for those with language skills. Additionally, many healthcare organizations in Hawaii offer cultural competency training for their staff, which provides an opportunity for immigrants to gain valuable experience and skills in the healthcare field.

What are the typical work schedules for PAs, and do they include options for part-time or flexible hours in Hawaii?

PAs in Hawaii typically work 40 hours per week. Some employers may offer flexible hours, part-time opportunities or telecommuting options. In addition, many PA positions come with call-schedules for emergency or after-hours care. PAs also often work evenings and weekends to meet the demands of their patients.

Are there resources, such as job fairs or online job portals, that can help immigrants find PA job opportunities in Hawaii?

Yes, there are a number of resources available to help immigrants find PA job opportunities in Hawaii. The Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) website has a list of upcoming Job Fairs, as well as a Job Seekers page with job search resources. The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) also provides job postings and hosts job fairs throughout the year. Additionally, the following online job portals may also be useful for immigrants seeking PA job opportunities in Hawaii: Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com, SimplyHired.com, LinkedIn.com, and Monster.com.

What are the options for continuing education and professional development for PAs to enhance their careers in Hawaii?

1. Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Education and Professional Development: Hawaii Pacific Health Medical Education and Professional Development offers a variety of continuing medical education courses for Physician Assistants. Courses include topics such as clinical skills, technological advances, ethical dilemmas, and more.

2. American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA): The AAPA offers an array of continuing medical education courses and professional development opportunities for PAs across the country. These include live educational sessions, webinars, online learning modules, and conferences.

3. Hawaii Medical Education Council: The Hawaii Medical Education Council (HMEC) provides professional development activities for PAs in the state through its Annual Conference and through various courses offered throughout the year.

4. University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine: The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine offers a variety of continuing education activities and professional development opportunities for PAs. These activities range from lecture series to webinars to hands-on training sessions.

5. Hawaii Society of Physician Assistants: The Hawaii Society of Physician Assistants provides educational opportunities and resources to PAs in the state through its annual conference, webinars, workshops, networking events, and more.

Are there specific job search strategies and resources for immigrants, including those with unique language or cultural considerations, seeking PA positions in Hawaii?

Yes, there are specific job search strategies and resources available for immigrants, including those with unique language or cultural considerations, seeking PA positions in Hawaii. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides information about resources for immigrants with unique language or cultural considerations. Additionally, Workforce Hawaii offers a variety of resources and services to connect employers with immigrants, such as job fairs, a comprehensive job search engine, and career planning services.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also has a Job Seeker Toolkit specifically for immigrants and refugees that provides information about building a U.S. resume, finding a job, networking, and interviewing. The Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center (HIJC) provides legal assistance to low-income immigrants and refugees in the state of Hawaii and provides resources related to employment opportunities such as job postings and trainings. Finally, the Hawaii Job Corps Program provides free career training opportunities for eligible people between the ages of 16-24.

How can immigrants with PA qualifications ensure that their credentials align with the state’s licensing and employment requirements in Hawaii?

Immigrants with PA qualifications in Hawaii should contact the Hawaii State Department of Health/Physician Assistant Licensing Program. The Department can provide information on the state’s licensing and employment requirements for PAs. Additionally, immigrants should look for any special requirements or considerations for non-U.S. trained PAs, as these may differ from those trained in the United States. Lastly, immigrants should research any additional steps they may need to take in order to be eligible for licensure and employment in Hawaii.

Do PAs have opportunities for overtime or shift differentials that can increase their earnings in Hawaii?

PAs in Hawaii may have the opportunity to earn overtime or shift differentials, depending on the practices they work for and the specific contract negotiated. However, it is not guaranteed and not all practices offer these benefits.

What are the potential legal implications or challenges immigrants may face when pursuing PA careers, especially in the context of immigration status, in Hawaii?

Immigrants may face a number of legal challenges when pursuing PA careers in Hawaii, especially in regards to their immigration status. Potential legal implications include:

1. Inability to obtain a PA license: Immigrants, depending on their immigration status, may not be eligible to receive a professional license in Hawaii, which is required for a PA career.

2. Inability to obtain professional medical malpractice insurance: Depending on their immigration status, immigrants may not be eligible to obtain liability insurance for their PA practice, which is required by the State of Hawaii.

3. Uncertainty regarding employer sponsorship for visa sponsorship: Immigrants may face uncertainty regarding their employer’s willingness to sponsor them for a visa, as well as the availability of appropriate visas for their desired PA career.

4. Work authorization restrictions and requirements: Depending on one’s immigration status, work authorization restrictions can limit an immigrant’s ability to pursue a PA career in Hawaii. These restrictions include verification of employment eligibility with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the requirement of an Employment Authorization Document or green card.

5. Potential for discrimination or harassment due to immigration status: Immigrants pursuing PA careers in Hawaii may be vulnerable to workplace discrimination or harassment due to their immigration status, which can impede their ability to pursue a successful career as a PA. Additionally, they may also face discrimination in the healthcare setting from patients or other healthcare providers due to their immigrant status.