Bowie vs Hagerstown: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bowie, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowie, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $152,698▲ | $141,776 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.41▲ | $68.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,234 | $114,179▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,244▲ | $128,313 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,582▲ | $163,783 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,298▲ | $172,224 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Bowie, MD offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Bowie and Hagerstown is $10,922 (7.70%). 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 Bowie spans $102,064,Hagerstown spans $58,045. Bowie has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hagerstown ($150,552 effective) pays 7.76% more than Bowie ($139,705 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,698/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,298)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,552)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bowie grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Bowie, MD
$143,570 (2024) → $147,791 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$107,650 (2019) → $137,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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