Joplin vs Kansas City: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Joplin, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Joplin, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,070 | $47,551▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.78 | $22.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,207 | $39,206▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,107 | $41,054▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,846 | $49,787▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,617 | $52,212▲ |
| Total Employed | 440 | 4,220▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Joplin.
The salary gap between Joplin and Kansas City is $8,481 (21.71%). Kansas City's median is -0.85% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Joplin spans $11,410,Kansas City spans $13,006. Kansas City 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, Kansas City ($51,383 effective) pays 12.73% more than Joplin ($45,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Joplin if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,212)
- ✓Larger job market (4,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,383)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Joplin grew 27.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Joplin, MO
$29,190 (2019) → $37,220 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$34,740 (2019) → $45,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Joplin, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Joplin or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Joplin and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Joplin to Kansas City as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Joplin vs Kansas City?
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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