Baltimore vs Laurel: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Baltimore, MD and Laurel, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,115 | $49,797▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.62 | $23.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,941 | $41,047▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,040 | $42,593▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,824 | $53,725▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,770 | $63,633▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,170▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Laurel, MD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Laurel is $682 (1.39%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $19,829,Laurel spans $22,586. Laurel 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, Baltimore ($47,006 effective) pays 3.17% more than Laurel ($45,560 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (8,170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,006)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,797/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,633)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Baltimore grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$36,620 (2019) → $46,790 (2025)
Laurel, MD
$45,685 (2024) → $47,439 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Laurel, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Baltimore or Laurel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Laurel?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Laurel as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Baltimore vs Laurel?
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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