Kennewick vs Lake Stevens: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Kennewick, WA and Lake Stevens, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Lake Stevens, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,346 | $56,548▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.64 | $27.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,282 | $48,031▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,483 | $49,592▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,300▲ | $58,769 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,656 | $68,865▲ |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Lake Stevens, WA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Lake Stevens is $3,202 (6.00%). Lake Stevens's median is +17.90% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $24,374,Lake Stevens spans $20,834. Kennewick 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, Kennewick ($53,304 effective) pays 1.24% more than Lake Stevens ($52,652 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,304)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Stevens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,548/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,865)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Kennewick grew 38.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.3% growth in Lake Stevens over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$36,790 (2019) → $50,820 (2025)
Lake Stevens, WA
$54,014 (2024) → $53,871 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Lake Stevens, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Kennewick or Lake Stevens?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Lake Stevens?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Lake Stevens as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Kennewick vs Lake Stevens?
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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