Hagerstown vs Wheaton: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,329 | $52,414▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.31 | $25.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,369 | $40,285▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,668 | $42,936▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,541 | $56,118▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,296 | $67,154▲ |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wheaton, MD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Wheaton is $8,085 (18.24%). Wheaton's median is +9.28% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $14,927,Wheaton spans $26,869. Wheaton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wheaton ($47,954 effective) pays 1.87% more than Hagerstown ($47,073 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,414/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,154)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,954)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Hagerstown grew 23.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$34,260 (2019) → $42,230 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$48,085 (2024) → $49,932 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Hagerstown or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Wheaton as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Hagerstown vs Wheaton?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov