Bear vs Dover: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Bear, DE and Dover, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Dover, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,743▲ | $43,038 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.47▲ | $20.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,977▲ | $37,716 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,045▲ | $39,122 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,117▲ | $48,024 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,416▲ | $51,803 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dover.
The salary gap between Bear and Dover is $3,705 (8.61%). Bear's median is -2.54% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $16,439,Dover spans $14,087. Bear has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bear ($45,962 effective) pays 4.13% more than Dover ($44,138 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 ($46,743/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,416)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,962)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Bear grew 8.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Dover over the same period.
Bear, DE
$40,933 (2024) → $44,530 (2025)
Dover, DE
$30,530 (2019) → $41,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Bear or Dover?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Dover?
Should I relocate from Bear to Dover as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Bear vs Dover?
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