Auburn vs Portland: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Auburn, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,003▲ | $50,952 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.96▲ | $24.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,155▲ | $43,132 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,285▲ | $48,108 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,435 | $57,051▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,835 | $64,084▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,880▲ |
Verdict
Auburn and Portland are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Auburn and Portland is $3,051 (5.99%). Auburn's median is +12.60% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $20,680,Portland spans $20,952. Portland 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, Auburn ($54,220 effective) pays 8.39% more than Portland ($50,023 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,003/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,220)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,084)
- ✓Larger job market (1,880 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Auburn grew 30.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Portland over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$39,311 (2024) → $51,446 (2025)
Portland, ME
$40,320 (2019) → $48,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Auburn or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Portland?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Portland as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Auburn vs Portland?
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