Hagerstown vs Wheaton: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,776 | $153,426▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.16 | $73.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,179▲ | $109,080 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,313 | $132,754▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,783 | $184,278▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,224 | $212,261▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wheaton, MD offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Wheaton is $11,650 (8.22%). Wheaton's median is +9.28% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $58,045,Wheaton spans $103,181. Wheaton 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, Hagerstown ($150,552 effective) pays 7.25% more than Wheaton ($140,371 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,552)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,426/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,261)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Hagerstown grew 27.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$107,650 (2019) → $137,220 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$144,256 (2024) → $148,496 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Hagerstown or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Wheaton as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Hagerstown vs Wheaton?
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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