Ashland vs Louisville: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Ashland, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,838 | $44,993▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.16 | $21.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,542 | $32,858▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,763 | $35,944▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,451 | $49,372▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,135 | $60,362▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 132▲ |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Louisville is $5,155 (12.94%). Louisville's median is -6.19% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $15,593,Louisville spans $27,504. Louisville 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, Louisville ($50,384 effective) pays 12.94% more than Ashland ($44,611 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,993/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,362)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,384)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Ashland grew 20.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$31,432 (2024) → $37,952 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$36,023 (2024) → $42,863 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Ashland or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Louisville as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Ashland vs Louisville?
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