Pennsylvania · Ortho PA placement
Orthopedic PA jobs and hiring in Philadelphia
In short
FirstAssistPA places orthopedic PAs in Philadelphia and its Pennsylvania suburbs, permanent or on 3 to 6 month W-2 contracts, and matches ortho PAs to Philadelphia roles for free. Pennsylvania PAs practice under a written agreement with a supervising physician, up to six PAs per physician, with 100% chart countersignature for a PA's first 12 months in a new specialty. Your first placement is free.
Hiring an ortho PA in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has four adult Level I trauma centers within the city, accredited by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation, and academic systems and private ortho groups across the city and suburbs.
One Pennsylvania rule matters for ortho hiring in particular: for a PA's first 12 months after graduation, and first 12 months in a new specialty, the supervising physician must countersign 100% of patient records within ten days. Hiring a PA who is new to ortho means planning for that countersignature load.
What to plan for
- Countersignature for a PA new to ortho: 100% of records, within ten days, for 12 months.
- A Pennsylvania license. Pennsylvania isn't in the PA Licensure Compact.
- A New Jersey license too, if the role includes sites across the river.
- Which trauma center the call covers, and hospital privileges there.
Trauma centers in the area
If the role includes trauma call, these are the designated trauma centers where it is likely to happen. The PA's supervising surgeon needs privileges at each hospital the PA works in.
| Hospital | City | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Penn Presbyterian Medical Center | Philadelphia | Level I |
| Temple University Hospital | Philadelphia | Level I |
| Thomas Jefferson University Hospital | Philadelphia | Level I |
| Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital | Philadelphia | Level I |
| Lankenau Medical Center | Wynnewood | Level II |
| Jefferson Abington Hospital | Abington | Level II |
| Paoli Hospital | Paoli | Level II |
Source: Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation, accredited trauma centers, checked September 24, 2026. Designations change; confirm with the hospital.
Pennsylvania PA rules, in brief
A high-level summary for planning a hire, not legal advice. Each point links to its source.
- Pennsylvania PAs practice under a written agreement with a supervising physician, filed with the Board. Supervision does not require the physician to be on site. 63 P.S. §422.13
- A physician may supervise up to six PAs at a time, or apply to the Board for a waiver for good cause. 63 P.S. §422.13
- For a PA's first 12 months after graduation, and first 12 months in a new specialty, the supervising physician must countersign 100% of patient records within ten days. After that, the written agreement sets co-signature. 49 Pa. Code §18.142
- Pennsylvania is not a member of the PA Licensure Compact, so an out-of-state PA needs a Pennsylvania license. PA Compact
What PAs are paid in Philadelphia
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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington (metro) | $135,640$65.21/hr | $139,080 | $103,720 to $170,140 |
| Pennsylvania, statewide | $127,070$61.09/hr | $125,160 | $99,050 to $158,690 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, Physician Assistants (29-1071), May 2025 estimates.
For practices and for PAs
Hiring in Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia?
Free, ortho-only matching. We negotiate rate, stipend and schedule, and never send your CV without asking.
Questions about Philadelphia
Does a new ortho PA need chart co-signature in Pennsylvania?
For a PA's first 12 months after graduation, and first 12 months in a new specialty, the primary supervising physician must countersign 100% of patient records within ten days (49 Pa. Code §18.142). After that, the written agreement sets co-signature.
How many PAs can one physician supervise in Pennsylvania?
Up to six at a time under a written agreement. A physician may apply to the State Board of Medicine for a waiver to supervise more for good cause.
What about practice sites in New Jersey?
A PA needs a license in the state where they practice, so sites in New Jersey need a New Jersey license in addition to Pennsylvania's. Tell us which sites the role covers.
What does FirstAssistPA charge to place an orthopedic PA in Philadelphia?
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.