Medical Assistant Pay

Baltimore vs Bowie: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Baltimore, MD and Bowie, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$49,115
$23.62/hr
Bowie, MD
$52,165
$25.08/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDBowie, MD
Median Salary$49,115$52,165
Hourly Rate$23.62$25.08
Entry Level (P10)$39,941$39,640
25th Percentile$42,040$42,432
75th Percentile$51,824$55,571
Top Earner (P90)$59,770$66,167
Total Employed8,17010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($49,115) and Bowie ($52,165) medical assistant salaries.BaltimoreBowieMedian Salary$49,115$52,165Entry Level (P10)$39,941$39,640Top Earner (P90)$59,770$66,167US Median $47,961

Verdict

Bowie, MD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Bowie is $3,050 (6.21%). Bowie's median is +8.77% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $19,829,Bowie spans $26,527. Bowie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$39,941
P25$42,040
Median$49,115
P75$51,824
P90 (Top)$59,770
Bowie
P10 (Entry)$39,640
P25$42,432
Median$52,165
P75$55,571
P90 (Top)$66,167

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bowie ($47,726 effective) pays 1.53% more than Baltimore ($47,006 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $49,115
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $47,006
Bowie
Nominal: $52,165
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $47,726

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Larger job market (8,170 employed)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Bowie if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,165/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,167)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,726)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Baltimore grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Bowie over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+27.8%

$36,620 (2019) → $46,790 (2025)

Bowie, MD

+3.8%

$47,857 (2024) → $49,695 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Baltimore or Bowie?

Bowie has a higher median medical assistant salary at $52,165/year, compared to Baltimore at $49,115/year — a difference of $3,050 (6.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Bowie?

Baltimore medical assistants earn $23.62/hr while Bowie hygienists earn $25.08/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Bowie as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Bowie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $47,006, Bowie = $47,726), job availability (8,170 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Baltimore vs Bowie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $39,941 in Baltimore and $39,640 in Bowie. The Baltimore area offers higher starting salaries.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

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