Augusta vs Dalton: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Augusta, GA and Dalton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Dalton, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,382▲ | $39,017 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.42▲ | $18.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,727 | $33,727 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,062▲ | $37,338 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,326▲ | $42,303 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,837▲ | $48,937 |
| Total Employed | 1,620▲ | 320 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dalton.
The salary gap between Augusta and Dalton is $1,365 (3.50%). Augusta's median is -15.80% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $17,110,Dalton spans $15,210. Augusta 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, Augusta ($43,940 effective) pays 1.18% more than Dalton ($43,427 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,382/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,837)
- ✓Larger job market (1,620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,940)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Dalton if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Augusta grew 24.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Dalton over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$31,030 (2019) → $38,470 (2025)
Dalton, GA
$29,320 (2019) → $37,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Dalton, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Augusta or Dalton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Dalton?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Dalton as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Augusta vs Dalton?
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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