Glendale vs Tucson: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Glendale, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Glendale, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,922▲ | $46,586 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.52▲ | $22.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,335 | $39,574▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,660 | $41,232▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,154▲ | $48,223 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,926▲ | $50,260 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 2,990▲ |
Verdict
Glendale, AZ offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Glendale and Tucson is $2,336 (5.01%). Glendale's median is +2.00% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Glendale spans $28,591,Tucson spans $10,686. Glendale 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, Glendale ($49,667 effective) pays 3.30% more than Tucson ($48,078 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Glendale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,922/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,926)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,667)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,990 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Glendale grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.7% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Glendale, AZ
$43,445 (2024) → $46,606 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$32,220 (2019) → $44,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Glendale, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
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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