Baltimore vs Bowie: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Baltimore, MD and Bowie, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Bowie, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,398 | $152,698▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.95 | $73.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,848▲ | $107,234 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,791▲ | $131,244 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,405 | $182,582▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,268 | $209,298▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,660▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Bowie, MD offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Bowie is $9,300 (6.49%). Bowie's median is +8.77% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $64,420,Bowie spans $102,064. Bowie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bowie ($139,705 effective) pays 1.80% more than Baltimore ($137,240 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Bowie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,698/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,298)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,705)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Baltimore grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Bowie over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$106,970 (2019) → $138,790 (2025)
Bowie, MD
$143,570 (2024) → $147,791 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Baltimore or Bowie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Bowie?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Bowie as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Baltimore vs Bowie?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov