California · Ortho PA placement
Orthopedic PA jobs and hiring in San Diego
In short
FirstAssistPA places orthopedic PAs in San Diego County, permanent or on 3 to 6 month W-2 contracts, and matches ortho PAs to San Diego roles for free. The BLS median for all PAs in the San Diego metro was $165,160 in May 2025. Your first placement is free, with a free replacement if you aren't happy.
Hiring an ortho PA in San Diego
San Diego County runs from the coast to inland North County, and ortho work is spread across both. Many PAs will happily trade a little pay for a shorter drive, so the site matters as much as the rate.
The county has three adult Level I trauma centers, all in the city of San Diego or La Jolla. A role with trauma call usually means call at one of them or at a Level II, and the supervising surgeon needs privileges there.
What to plan for
- Coastal versus North County sites, and the commute between them.
- Which trauma center the call covers, and who holds privileges there.
- A full California license for out-of-state candidates, which takes months.
- Contract PAs in California should be W-2: AB 5's ABC test applies to PAs, and the Labor Code exemption covers physicians, not PAs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Scripps Mercy Hospital | San Diego | Level I |
| Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla | La Jolla | Level I |
| UC San Diego Medical Center, Hillcrest | San Diego | Level I |
| Sharp Memorial Hospital | San Diego | Level II |
| Palomar Medical Center Escondido | Escondido | Level II |
Source: American College of Surgeons, Find a Hospital (verified trauma centers), checked September 24, 2026. Designations change; confirm with the hospital.
California PA rules, in brief
A high-level summary for planning a hire, not legal advice. Each point links to its source.
- PAs practice under a written practice agreement with one or more physicians. The practice agreement is where you authorize first and second assist. BPC §3501
- Since January 1, 2026, a physician may supervise up to eight PAs at once, up from four (AB 1501). BPC §3516
- Chart co-signature is optional unless the practice agreement requires it. In a hospital, the supervising physician must hold privileges there. BPC §3502
- California is not in the PA Licensure Compact and has no general temporary license, so an out-of-state PA needs a full California license first. PA Board
- AB 5's ABC test covers PAs (Labor Code 2783(b) exempts physicians, not PAs), so contract PAs should be W-2. Labor Code §2783
What PAs are paid in San Diego
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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad (metro) | $165,160$79.41/hr | $165,450 | $109,750 to $214,570 |
| California, statewide | $165,650$79.64/hr | $169,110 | $99,380 to $225,190 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, Physician Assistants (29-1071), May 2025 estimates.
For practices and for PAs
Hiring in San Diego?
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 San Diego?
Free, ortho-only matching. We negotiate rate, stipend and schedule, and never send your CV without asking.
Questions about San Diego
What do physician assistants earn in San Diego?
The BLS median for all physician assistants in the San Diego metro was $165,160 in May 2025, close to the California median of $165,650. Ortho pay depends on first assist, call and experience.
Does a PA need a California license to work in San Diego?
Yes. California is not in the PA Licensure Compact and has no general temporary license, so a PA licensed only in another state needs a full California license before starting. We plan start dates around that timeline.
Do you place orthopedic PAs in North County San Diego?
Yes. We place across San Diego County, including North County. Tell us which sites the role covers and we'll match PAs who actually want that commute.
What does FirstAssistPA charge to place an orthopedic PA in San Diego?
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.