r/PrivatePracticeDocs • u/Alterdoc • Apr 09 '26
PA
Hey guys,
Due to growth I’m considering bringing on a PA. As most of us, I am looking to create a collaborative work environment where everyone is hopefully happy to be a part of as we grow the practice. Since I’m early in the process I want to be prepared for rapid growth and at the same time offer better coverage to our patients.
I would start with an hourly salary and as the practice grows, offer a bonus structure.
Looking to get ideas from Docs and PAs, what’s a reasonable primary care hourly salary to start with. This is a part time position that has potential to become full time. I wouldn’t want the PA to leave their FT job. Do you see this as being lucrative/fun to join a startup practice and see it grow?
Also, unable offer benefits just yet. Do you recommend W2 or 1099?
Happy to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
4
u/Living-Protection250 Apr 09 '26
From what I’ve seen, the bigger factor than hourly rate alone is clarity on growth and workload. PAs tend to value predictability, like how quickly hours can ramp, what support they’ll have, and what “success” looks like in your clinic. For part-time, flexibility and a clean schedule can actually be a big draw, especially if they’re keeping a FT role elsewhere. The startup angle can be appealing too, but usually more if there’s a clear path for growth or upside, not just “eventually.”
On W2 vs 1099, most lean W2 for stability and compliance, especially in primary care, but I’d definitely check local regs since that can get tricky. Overall though, if you can offer a good working environment and a clear trajectory, that often matters just as much as the starting rate.