Clearwater vs Orlando: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Clearwater, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clearwater, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,002▲ | $45,977 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.60▲ | $22.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,175 | $38,472▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,940 | $39,563▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,447▲ | $49,115 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,156▲ | $51,015 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 7,920▲ |
Verdict
Clearwater, FL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Clearwater and Orlando is $1,025 (2.23%). Clearwater's median is -2.00% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clearwater spans $28,981,Orlando spans $12,543. Clearwater 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, Clearwater ($46,629 effective) pays 2.86% more than Orlando ($45,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clearwater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,002/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,156)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,629)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Clearwater grew 15.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Clearwater, FL
$38,945 (2024) → $44,777 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$33,040 (2019) → $43,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clearwater, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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