Jacksonville vs Raleigh: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Jacksonville, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,280 | $48,454▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.88 | $23.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,265 | $39,595▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,781 | $41,411▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,413 | $49,777▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,985 | $59,224▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 3,810▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Raleigh is $9,174 (23.36%). Raleigh's median is +1.03% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $13,720,Raleigh spans $19,629. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($49,364 effective) pays 15.72% more than Jacksonville ($42,656 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,454/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,224)
- ✓Larger job market (3,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,364)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Jacksonville grew 23.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Jacksonville, NC
$30,390 (2019) → $37,420 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$34,840 (2019) → $46,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Jacksonville or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Raleigh as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Jacksonville vs Raleigh?
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