Columbia vs Fort Mill: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Columbia, SC and Fort Mill, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Fort Mill, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,702▲ | $41,278 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.53▲ | $19.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,170▲ | $34,736 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,143▲ | $35,592 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,045▲ | $43,522 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,903 | $50,800▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,190▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Mill.
The salary gap between Columbia and Fort Mill is $1,424 (3.45%). Columbia's median is -10.97% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $12,733,Fort Mill spans $16,064. Fort Mill 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, Columbia ($45,592 effective) pays 1.06% more than Fort Mill ($45,113 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,702/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,592)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Mill if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,800)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Columbia grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Fort Mill over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$30,010 (2019) → $40,680 (2025)
Fort Mill, SC
$32,586 (2024) → $39,324 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Fort Mill, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Columbia or Fort Mill?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Fort Mill?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Fort Mill as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Columbia vs Fort Mill?
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