Hickory vs Winston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Hickory, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hickory, NC | Winston, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,442 | $48,087▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.84 | $23.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,823 | $37,506▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,660 | $41,400▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,102▲ | $49,945 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,281 | $53,377▲ |
| Total Employed | 820 | 1,350▲ |
Verdict
Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Hickory and Winston is $2,645 (5.82%). Winston's median is +0.26% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hickory spans $13,458,Winston spans $15,871. Winston 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, Winston ($52,244 effective) pays 1.73% more than Hickory ($51,355 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,087/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,377)
- ✓Larger job market (1,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,244)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Hickory grew 42.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Winston over the same period.
Hickory, NC
$30,470 (2019) → $43,290 (2025)
Winston, NC
$35,300 (2019) → $45,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hickory, NC
Winston, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Hickory or Winston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hickory and Winston?
Should I relocate from Hickory to Winston as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Hickory vs Winston?
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