Austin vs Duluth: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Austin, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,182 | $50,375▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.17 | $24.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,726 | $39,511▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,893 | $41,831▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,630 | $52,947▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,588 | $61,775▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Duluth is $2,193 (4.55%). Duluth's median is +5.03% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $21,862,Duluth spans $22,264. Duluth 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, Duluth ($56,749 effective) pays 16.01% more than Austin ($48,916 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,375/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,775)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,749)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Austin grew 2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Austin, MN
$44,719 (2024) → $45,901 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$40,360 (2019) → $47,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Austin or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Austin to Duluth as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Austin vs Duluth?
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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