East Chicago vs Indianapolis: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between East Chicago, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,134 | $49,231▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.70 | $23.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,038 | $40,340▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,482 | $42,198▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,507 | $50,050▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,591 | $59,235▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6,580▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and Indianapolis is $4,097 (9.08%). Indianapolis's median is +2.65% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $20,553,Indianapolis spans $18,895. East Chicago 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, Indianapolis ($51,445 effective) pays 4.07% more than East Chicago ($49,435 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,231/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,235)
- ✓Larger job market (6,580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,445)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in East Chicago grew 28.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$33,496 (2024) → $42,997 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$35,720 (2019) → $46,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: East Chicago or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Chicago and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from East Chicago to Indianapolis as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in East Chicago vs Indianapolis?
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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