Dover vs Newark: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Dover, DE and Newark, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Newark, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,038 | $48,461▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.69 | $23.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,716 | $39,544▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,122 | $41,153▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,024 | $50,878▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,803 | $59,858▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Newark, DE offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dover.
The salary gap between Dover and Newark is $5,423 (12.60%). Newark's median is +1.04% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $14,087,Newark spans $20,314. Newark 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, Newark ($47,651 effective) pays 7.96% 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 Dover if…
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,461/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,858)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,651)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Dover grew 34.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Newark over the same period.
Dover, DE
$30,530 (2019) → $41,000 (2025)
Newark, DE
$42,439 (2024) → $46,167 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Dover or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Newark?
Should I relocate from Dover to Newark as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Dover vs Newark?
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