New York · Ortho PA placement
Orthopedic PA jobs and hiring in New York City
In short
FirstAssistPA places orthopedic PAs in New York City's five boroughs, permanent or on 3 to 6 month W-2 contracts, and matches ortho PAs to NYC roles for free. New York PAs practice under physician supervision, with a limit of six PAs per physician in private practice and no numeric limit for hospital services. Your first placement is free.
Hiring an ortho PA in New York City
New York City has state-designated adult Level I trauma centers in all five boroughs, along with large academic systems and private ortho groups. A PA's borough and commute shape which roles make sense.
New York's supervision rules distinguish private practice from hospitals. In private practice, a physician may supervise no more than six PAs at a time; that limit doesn't apply to services performed in a hospital. Supervision must be continuous but doesn't require the physician to be physically present.
What to plan for
- The six-PA limit per physician if the role is in private practice.
- A New York license. New York isn't in the PA Licensure Compact; a limited permit covers applicants waiting only on the exam.
- Which hospitals the PA will work in, and privileges at each.
- The borough and commute, which matter to candidates as much as pay.
Trauma centers in the area
Adult Level I trauma centers in the five boroughs, from the New York State Department of Health designation list. The same list includes several Level II centers.
| Hospital | City | Level |
|---|---|---|
| NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue | Manhattan | Level I |
| NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center | Manhattan | Level I |
| NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | Bronx | Level I |
| NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln | Bronx | Level I |
| Maimonides Medical Center | Brooklyn | Level I |
| NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County | Brooklyn | Level I |
| NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn | Brooklyn | Level I |
| Jamaica Hospital Medical Center | Queens | Level I |
| NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst | Queens | Level I |
| NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens | Queens | Level I |
| Richmond University Medical Center | Staten Island | Level I |
| Staten Island University Hospital North | Staten Island | Level I |
Source: New York State Department of Health, designated trauma centers, checked September 24, 2026. Designations change; confirm with the hospital.
New York PA rules, in brief
A high-level summary for planning a hire, not legal advice. Each point links to its source.
- New York PAs practice under physician supervision. Supervision must be continuous but does not require the physician to be physically present. Educ. Law §6542
- In private practice, a physician may employ or supervise no more than six PAs at a time. That limit does not apply to services performed in a hospital. Educ. Law §6542
- A limited permit lets an applicant who has met every requirement except the exam practice under supervision while they wait. NYSED
- New York is not a member of the PA Licensure Compact, so an out-of-state PA needs a New York license. PA Compact
What PAs are paid in New York City
Government data for all physician assistants, not ortho specifically. Use it as an anchor, then adjust for first assist, call and experience. The U.S. median was $135,880 (May 2025).
| Area | Median | Mean | 10th to 90th pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City (metro) | $167,650$80.60/hr | $163,570 | $124,470 to $207,000 |
| New York, statewide | $160,880$77.35/hr | $155,150 | $106,440 to $201,410 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, Physician Assistants (29-1071), May 2025 estimates.
For practices and for PAs
Hiring in NYC?
Permanent, 3 to 6 month contract (locum) or per diem. Your first placement is free, and if you aren't happy with the PA we place, we find a replacement at no cost.
Ortho PA looking in NYC?
Free, ortho-only matching. We negotiate rate, stipend and schedule, and never send your CV without asking.
Questions about NYC
How many PAs can a physician supervise in New York?
Under Education Law §6542, no physician may employ or supervise more than six physician assistants in private practice at one time. The limit does not apply to services performed in a hospital.
Does a PA need a New York license to work in NYC?
Yes. New York is not in the PA Licensure Compact, so a PA licensed elsewhere needs a New York license. A limited permit lets an applicant who has met every requirement except the exam practice under supervision.
Do you place orthopedic PAs outside Manhattan?
Yes. We place in all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.
What does FirstAssistPA charge to place an orthopedic PA in New York City?
Nothing for your first placement, permanent or contract. If you aren't happy with the PA we place, for any reason, we find a replacement at no cost. PAs never pay a fee.