Senior Physician Assistant Salary in Dundalk, MD: $204,289 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physician assistants working in Dundalk, MD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $204,289/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1071. Strip back Dundalk's price premium (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $186,907 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dundalk, Maryland, the earning potential for experienced physician assistants is notable, particularly for those reaching the upper tiers of compensation. By 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $148,213, but top earners are likely to make significantly more, with figures reaching as high as $204,289. This nearly $56,000 gap illustrates the experience premium available in this market, where seasoned professionals can find ample opportunities to eclipse the national median of $140,391. Achieving such top-tier pay often requires not only significant experience—over seven years—but also advanced specialty training, innovative practice settings, and an understanding of the nuances within local healthcare environments, which collectively contribute to securing lucrative positions.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dundalk
Experienced physician assistants at the top of the pay scale in Dundalk earn between $180,805 and $204,289 per year (2026 est.). This $95,197 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dundalk median of $148,213 sits 5.57% above the US median.
Top PA Salary Comparison
| Level | Dundalk | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $148,213 | $140,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,805 | $169,424 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $204,289 | $196,597 |
In Dundalk, experienced physician assistants (P90) earn 37.83% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physician Assistant Pay in Dundalk
Advanced Certifications in Maryland
MD physician assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physician assistant field earn significantly above the $148,213 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dundalk employers.
Specialty Focus
Physician Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physician assistant field in Dundalk command premium compensation, often reaching the $180,805–$204,289 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dundalk metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physician assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physician assistants in Dundalk with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physician Assistants in Maryland who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physician Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Dundalk
Clinical Physician Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physician Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysician Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDundalk ranks #18 of 28 Maryland cities for top earner physician assistant salary (90th percentile: $204,289).
Top 10% physician assistant compensation in Dundalk ($204,289) is 12.02% above the Maryland average P90 ($182,362).
2019 BLS Actual
$163,268
2025 BLS Actual
$197,725
2026 Current Est.
$204,289
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $163,268 | Actual |
| 2020 | $168,827 | Actual |
| 2021 | $171,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $174,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,472 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,466 | Actual |
| 2025 | $197,725 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $204,289 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $211,072 | Projected |
Top-earning physician assistants (90th percentile) in Dundalk saw their compensation grow 21.1% from $163,268 in 2019 to $197,725 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $211,072 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dundalk metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Physician Assistant Earnings in Dundalk
Dundalk's senior physician assistants can strategically enhance their pay by focusing on in-demand specialties such as surgical practices, especially in orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as emergency medicine and critical care. Compensation varies significantly depending on the employer, with hospital systems typically offering W-2 positions while surgical specialty practices and urgent care chains may provide more variable pay structures, including 1099 options. To advance in their careers, PAs can pursue leadership roles such as lead PA, hospital chief PA, or become involved in PA education and training. Obtaining additional credentials like a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program and the NCCPA national certification can further elevate their standing and salary in Maryland. Non-salary compensation elements, including call coverage and productivity bonuses, also contribute to the overall earnings potential, underscoring the importance of strategic career management in maximizing the senior physician assistant pay in MD.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physician assistants make in Dundalk in 2026?
What drives higher physician assistant pay in Dundalk?
What certifications boost physician assistant salary in Dundalk?
Can experienced physician assistants make six figures in Dundalk?
How much does physician assistant salary increase over time in Dundalk?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $197,725 for physician assistants in the Dundalk metro area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dundalk is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
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