Bear vs Wilmington: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Bear, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,743 | $48,994▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.47 | $23.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,977▲ | $38,214 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,045 | $40,553▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,117 | $51,877▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,416 | $61,557▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Wilmington is $2,251 (4.82%). Wilmington's median is +2.15% 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,Wilmington spans $23,343. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($48,175 effective) pays 4.82% more than Bear ($45,962 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,994/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,557)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,175)
- ✓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 8.5% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Bear, DE
$40,933 (2024) → $44,530 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$43,009 (2024) → $46,674 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Bear or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Bear to Wilmington as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Bear vs Wilmington?
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