Des Moines vs Kennewick: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Des Moines, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,928▲ | $53,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.85▲ | $25.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,748▲ | $42,282 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,988 | $49,483▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,867 | $62,300▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,277▲ | $66,656 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 850▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, WA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Kennewick is $4,582 (8.59%). Des Moines's median is +20.78% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $26,529,Kennewick spans $24,374. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($53,937 effective) pays 1.19% more than Kennewick ($53,304 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,928/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,277)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,937)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Des Moines grew -0.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.1% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Des Moines, WA
$55,332 (2024) → $55,185 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$36,790 (2019) → $50,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Des Moines or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Kennewick as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Des Moines vs Kennewick?
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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