Burlington vs Winston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Burlington, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,400 | $48,087▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.82 | $23.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,750 | $37,506▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,311 | $41,400▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,131▲ | $49,945 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,983▲ | $53,377 |
| Total Employed | 310 | 1,350▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Winston is $2,687 (5.92%). Winston's median is +0.26% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $18,233,Winston spans $15,871. Burlington 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, Winston ($52,244 effective) pays 7.25% more than Burlington ($48,715 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,983)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,087/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,244)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Burlington grew 21.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Winston over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$35,720 (2019) → $43,250 (2025)
Winston, NC
$35,300 (2019) → $45,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Burlington or Winston?
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Should I relocate from Burlington to Winston as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Burlington vs Winston?
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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