Dover vs Newark: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Dover, DE and Newark, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Newark, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,479 | $141,857▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.17 | $68.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,070 | $107,326▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $122,341 | $127,102▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,305▲ | $167,151 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $191,225▲ | $189,289 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Dover and Newark are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Dover and Newark is $8,378 (6.28%). Newark's median is +1.04% 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,Newark spans $81,963. 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, Newark ($139,486 effective) pays 1.89% more than Dover ($136,892 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,225)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,857/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,486)
- ✓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 Newark over the same period.
Dover, DE
$115,610 (2019) → $129,190 (2025)
Newark, DE
$126,305 (2024) → $137,299 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Dover or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Newark?
Should I relocate from Dover to Newark as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Dover vs Newark?
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