Gainesville vs Orlando: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Gainesville, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gainesville, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,043 | $45,977▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.73 | $22.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,149 | $38,472▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,028 | $39,563▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,465 | $49,115▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,504 | $51,015▲ |
| Total Employed | 840 | 7,920▲ |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gainesville.
The salary gap between Gainesville and Orlando is $4,934 (12.02%). Orlando's median is -4.14% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gainesville spans $12,355,Orlando spans $12,543. Orlando 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, Orlando ($45,334 effective) pays 6.85% more than Gainesville ($42,429 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,977/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,015)
- ✓Larger job market (7,920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,334)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Gainesville grew 18.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.6% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Gainesville, FL
$33,020 (2019) → $39,100 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$33,040 (2019) → $43,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gainesville, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Gainesville or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gainesville and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Gainesville to Orlando as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Gainesville vs Orlando?
Related Comparisons
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