Bear vs Middletown: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bear, DE and Middletown, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Middletown, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,826▲ | $131,919 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.78▲ | $63.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,705▲ | $100,836 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,723▲ | $118,502 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,149▲ | $154,344 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,365▲ | $172,726 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 6 |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Bear and Middletown is $4,907 (3.72%). Bear's median is -2.54% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $69,660,Middletown spans $71,890. Middletown 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, Bear ($134,539 effective) pays 3.72% 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 Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,826/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,365)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,539)
- ✓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 Bear grew 8.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Middletown over the same period.
Bear, DE
$121,825 (2024) → $132,429 (2025)
Middletown, DE
$117,456 (2024) → $127,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bear or Middletown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Middletown?
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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