Dearborn vs Grand Rapids: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Dearborn, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,156 | $41,873▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.79 | $20.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,264 | $37,957▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,195 | $39,301▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,396 | $49,661▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,074▲ | $50,407 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 2,800▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn.
The salary gap between Dearborn and Grand Rapids is $717 (1.74%). Grand Rapids's median is -12.69% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn spans $21,810,Grand Rapids spans $12,450. Dearborn 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, Dearborn ($44,159 effective) pays 0.76% more than Grand Rapids ($43,825 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,074)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,159)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,873/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Dearborn grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.4% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Dearborn, MI
$37,459 (2024) → $39,207 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$34,870 (2019) → $39,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
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