Ellicott City vs Hagerstown: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Ellicott City, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellicott City, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,574▲ | $103,095 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.56▲ | $49.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,228▲ | $79,714 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,890▲ | $88,064 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,700▲ | $117,214 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,860▲ | $131,026 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Ellicott City, MD offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Ellicott City and Hagerstown is $12,479 (12.10%). Ellicott City's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellicott City spans $61,632,Hagerstown spans $51,312. Ellicott City 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, Hagerstown ($109,476 effective) pays 3.53% more than Ellicott City ($105,740 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellicott City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,574/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,860)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,476)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Ellicott City grew 2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.7% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Ellicott City, MD
$109,770 (2024) → $112,799 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$78,200 (2019) → $100,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellicott City, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Ellicott City or Hagerstown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ellicott City and Hagerstown?
Should I relocate from Ellicott City to Hagerstown as a physical therapist?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov