Boston vs Salem: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Boston, MA and Salem, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,262▲ | $48,431 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.60▲ | $23.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,360▲ | $40,989 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,333▲ | $42,261 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,100▲ | $50,155 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,606▲ | $63,203 |
| Total Employed | 10,750▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Boston and Salem is $4,831 (9.98%). Boston's median is +11.05% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $17,246,Salem spans $22,214. Salem 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, Boston ($49,195 effective) pays 10.21% more than Salem ($44,637 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,262/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,606)
- ✓Larger job market (10,750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,195)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Boston grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.7% growth in Salem over the same period.
Boston, MA
$41,610 (2019) → $50,740 (2025)
Salem, MA
$52,271 (2024) → $46,138 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Boston or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Salem?
Should I relocate from Boston to Salem as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Boston vs Salem?
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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