PT Assistant Salary

Baltimore vs Hagerstown: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Baltimore, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$81,414
$39.14/hr
Hagerstown, MD
$67,781
$32.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDHagerstown, MD
Median Salary$81,414$67,781
Hourly Rate$39.14$32.59
Entry Level (P10)$38,329$49,588
25th Percentile$63,549$60,313
75th Percentile$85,667$76,215
Top Earner (P90)$92,919$77,777
Total Employed620120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($81,414) and Hagerstown ($67,781) physical therapist assistant salaries.BaltimoreHagerstownMedian Salary$81,414$67,781Entry Level (P10)$38,329$49,588Top Earner (P90)$92,919$77,777US Median $70,247

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Hagerstown is $13,633 (20.11%). Baltimore's median is +15.90% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $54,590,Hagerstown spans $28,189. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$38,329
P25$63,549
Median$81,414
P75$85,667
P90 (Top)$92,919
Hagerstown
P10 (Entry)$49,588
P25$60,313
Median$67,781
P75$76,215
P90 (Top)$77,777

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($77,918 effective) pays 8.25% more than Hagerstown ($71,977 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $81,414
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $77,918
Hagerstown
Nominal: $67,781
CoL Index: 94.171
Adjusted: $71,977

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($81,414/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($92,919)
  • Larger job market (620 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,918)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Hagerstown if…

  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Baltimore grew 48.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.6% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+48.2%

$53,480 (2019) → $79,250 (2025)

Hagerstown, MD

+10.6%

$59,630 (2019) → $65,980 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Baltimore or Hagerstown?

Baltimore has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $81,414/year, compared to Hagerstown at $67,781/year — a difference of $13,633 (20.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Hagerstown?

Baltimore physical therapist assistants earn $39.14/hr while Hagerstown hygienists earn $32.59/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Hagerstown as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Hagerstown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $77,918, Hagerstown = $71,977), job availability (620 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Baltimore vs Hagerstown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $38,329 in Baltimore and $49,588 in Hagerstown. The Hagerstown area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, DPT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov