What if the “highest-paying PA job” isn’t what you think?

In this episode, Kristin breaks down the best and worst PA specialties in 2026 by earnings, then layers in the two things most people ignore: cost-of-living buying power and contract structure (salary vs productivity). If you’re a practicing PA trying to maximize income, a new grad choosing offers, or a PA student wondering if the debt is worth it, this will help you think about PA pay the way top earners do.

Inside this episode

• The lowest-paid PA specialties (and why this matters for debt-to-income planning)
• The top-earning PA specialties in 2026 and what those roles tend to have in common
• Why a high salary in a high-cost city can still leave you “stuck” financially
• The states where PA pay stretches further when you look at c ...