Dartmouth vs Worcester: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Dartmouth, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dartmouth, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,581 | $157,935▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.44 | $75.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,491 | $112,237▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,492 | $130,441▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $180,553▲ | $172,183 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,517▲ | $201,691 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dartmouth.
The salary gap between Dartmouth and Worcester is $9,354 (6.30%). Worcester's median is +12.50% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dartmouth spans $99,026,Worcester spans $89,454. Dartmouth 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, Worcester ($154,048 effective) pays 12.49% more than Dartmouth ($136,941 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dartmouth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,517)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($157,935/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,048)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Dartmouth grew -1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Dartmouth, MA
$145,848 (2024) → $143,807 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$120,510 (2019) → $152,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dartmouth, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Dartmouth or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dartmouth and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Dartmouth to Worcester as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Dartmouth vs Worcester?
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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