Pennsylvania · Ortho PA placement
Orthopedic PA jobs and hiring in Pittsburgh
In short
FirstAssistPA places orthopedic PAs in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania, permanent or on 3 to 6 month W-2 contracts, and matches ortho PAs to Pittsburgh roles for free. Pittsburgh has three adult Level I trauma centers accredited by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. Your first placement is free, with a free replacement if you aren't happy.
Hiring an ortho PA in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's ortho market is anchored by two large health systems and three adult Level I trauma centers in the city, with private groups across the suburbs and the rest of western Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania's rules apply the same way here as in Philadelphia: a written agreement with a supervising physician, up to six PAs per physician unless the Board grants a waiver, and 100% countersignature within ten days for a PA's first 12 months in a new specialty.
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.
- Licenses in Ohio or West Virginia too, if the role covers sites across the state line.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| AHN Allegheny General Hospital | Pittsburgh | Level I |
| UPMC Presbyterian | Pittsburgh | Level I |
| UPMC Mercy | Pittsburgh | Level I |
| AHN Forbes | Monroeville | 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 Pittsburgh
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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh (metro) | $125,230$60.21/hr | $120,080 | $98,630 to $146,930 |
| 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 Pittsburgh?
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 Pittsburgh?
Free, ortho-only matching. We negotiate rate, stipend and schedule, and never send your CV without asking.
Questions about Pittsburgh
Does a PA need a Pennsylvania license to work in Pittsburgh?
Yes. Pennsylvania is not in the PA Licensure Compact, so a PA licensed elsewhere needs a Pennsylvania license before starting.
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. After that, the written agreement sets co-signature.
Do you place contract orthopedic PAs in western Pennsylvania?
Yes. We place 3 to 6 month W-2 contract PAs and permanent hires in Pittsburgh and across western Pennsylvania.
What does FirstAssistPA charge to place an orthopedic PA in Pittsburgh?
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.