Newark vs Wilmington: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Newark, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,857 | $142,537▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.20 | $68.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,326▲ | $102,963 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,102▲ | $124,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,151 | $169,517▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,289 | $193,661▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Newark and Wilmington is $680 (0.48%). Wilmington's median is +1.53% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $81,963,Wilmington spans $90,698. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($140,154 effective) pays 0.48% more than Newark ($139,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newark if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,537/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,661)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,154)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Newark grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Newark, DE
$126,305 (2024) → $137,299 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$128,003 (2024) → $137,957 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Newark or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Newark to Wilmington as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Newark vs Wilmington?
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