Kennewick vs Tukwila: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Kennewick, WA and Tukwila, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Tukwila, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,346 | $54,044▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.64 | $25.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,282 | $46,338▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,483▲ | $47,265 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,300▲ | $56,422 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,656▲ | $65,607 |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Kennewick and Tukwila are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Tukwila is $698 (1.31%). Tukwila's median is +12.68% 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,Tukwila spans $19,269. 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 5.93% more than Tukwila ($50,320 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,656)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,304)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tukwila if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,044/year)
- ✓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 Tukwila over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$36,790 (2019) → $50,820 (2025)
Tukwila, WA
$51,621 (2024) → $51,485 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Tukwila, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Kennewick or Tukwila?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Tukwila?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Tukwila as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Kennewick vs Tukwila?
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