PT Assistant Salary

Baltimore vs Salisbury: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Baltimore, MD
$81,414
$39.14/hr
Salisbury, MD
$77,428
$37.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDSalisbury, MD
Median Salary$81,414$77,428
Hourly Rate$39.14$37.23
Entry Level (P10)$38,329$35,863
25th Percentile$63,549$64,710
75th Percentile$85,667$86,971
Top Earner (P90)$92,919$92,087
Total Employed62050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($81,414) and Salisbury ($77,428) physical therapist assistant salaries.BaltimoreSalisburyMedian Salary$81,414$77,428Entry Level (P10)$38,329$35,863Top Earner (P90)$92,919$92,087US Median $70,247

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Baltimore and Salisbury is $3,986 (5.15%). 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,Salisbury spans $56,224. Salisbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$38,329
P25$63,549
Median$81,414
P75$85,667
P90 (Top)$92,919
Salisbury
P10 (Entry)$35,863
P25$64,710
Median$77,428
P75$86,971
P90 (Top)$92,087

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Salisbury ($80,977 effective) pays 3.93% more than Baltimore ($77,918 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $81,414
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $77,918
Salisbury
Nominal: $77,428
CoL Index: 95.617
Adjusted: $80,977

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)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Salisbury if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,977)
  • 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 18.9% growth in Salisbury over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+48.2%

$53,480 (2019) → $79,250 (2025)

Salisbury, MD

+18.9%

$63,390 (2019) → $75,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Baltimore has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $81,414/year, compared to Salisbury at $77,428/year — a difference of $3,986 (5.15%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Salisbury?

Baltimore physical therapist assistants earn $39.14/hr while Salisbury hygienists earn $37.23/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Salisbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $77,918, Salisbury = $80,977), job availability (620 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $38,329 in Baltimore and $35,863 in Salisbury. The Baltimore 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