Dover vs Middletown: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Dover, DE and Middletown, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Middletown, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,479▲ | $131,919 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.17▲ | $63.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,070▲ | $100,836 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,341▲ | $118,502 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,305▲ | $154,344 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,225▲ | $172,726 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Dover and Middletown is $1,560 (1.18%). Dover's median is -4.92% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $89,155,Middletown spans $71,890. Dover 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, Dover ($136,892 effective) pays 5.53% more than Middletown ($129,714 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,479/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,225)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,892)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Dover grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Middletown over the same period.
Dover, DE
$115,610 (2019) → $129,190 (2025)
Middletown, DE
$117,456 (2024) → $127,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, DE
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