Derby vs Olathe: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Derby, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Derby, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,990 | $43,745▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.67 | $21.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,535 | $35,264▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,105 | $37,224▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,670 | $46,429▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,982 | $58,531▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Derby.
The salary gap between Derby and Olathe is $755 (1.76%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Derby spans $19,447,Olathe spans $23,267. Olathe 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, Olathe ($48,124 effective) pays 1.76% more than Derby ($47,294 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Derby if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,745/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,531)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,124)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Derby grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Derby, KS
$34,062 (2024) → $40,955 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$34,660 (2024) → $41,674 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Derby or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Derby and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Derby to Olathe as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Derby vs Olathe?
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