East Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between East Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Honolulu, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,089▲ | $50,092 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.97▲ | $24.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,265▲ | $40,308 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,696 | $47,257▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,978 | $58,479▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,231▲ | $62,951 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 2,700▲ |
Verdict
East Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between East Honolulu and Urban Honolulu is $5,997 (11.97%). East Honolulu's median is +16.95% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Honolulu spans $28,966,Urban Honolulu spans $22,643. East Honolulu 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, East Honolulu ($47,015 effective) pays 4.15% more than Urban Honolulu ($45,144 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,089/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,231)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,015)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in East Honolulu grew -4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.7% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
East Honolulu, HI
$56,135 (2024) → $53,433 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$38,280 (2019) → $47,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Honolulu, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: East Honolulu or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Honolulu and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from East Honolulu to Urban Honolulu as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in East Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu?
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