Medical Assistant Pay

Kokomo vs South Bend: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Kokomo, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kokomo, IN
$46,922
$22.56/hr
South Bend, IN
$46,817
$22.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKokomo, INSouth Bend, IN
Median Salary$46,922$46,817
Hourly Rate$22.56$22.51
Entry Level (P10)$39,175$38,681
25th Percentile$41,243$39,553
75th Percentile$49,609$49,021
Top Earner (P90)$52,286$51,068
Total Employed170840
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kokomo ($46,922) and South Bend ($46,817) medical assistant salaries.KokomoSouth BendMedian Salary$46,922$46,817Entry Level (P10)$39,175$38,681Top Earner (P90)$52,286$51,068US Median $47,961

Verdict

Kokomo, IN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.

The salary gap between Kokomo and South Bend is $105 (0.22%). Kokomo's median is -2.17% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kokomo spans $13,111,South Bend spans $12,387. Kokomo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kokomo
P10 (Entry)$39,175
P25$41,243
Median$46,922
P75$49,609
P90 (Top)$52,286
South Bend
P10 (Entry)$38,681
P25$39,553
Median$46,817
P75$49,021
P90 (Top)$51,068

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kokomo ($52,340 effective) pays 3.81% more than South Bend ($50,418 effective).

Kokomo
Nominal: $46,922
CoL Index: 89.648
Adjusted: $52,340
South Bend
Nominal: $46,817
CoL Index: 92.858
Adjusted: $50,418

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kokomo if…

  • Higher median salary ($46,922/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($52,286)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,340)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose South Bend if…

  • Larger job market (840 employed)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Kokomo grew 41.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in South Bend over the same period.

Kokomo, IN

+41.9%

$31,500 (2019) → $44,700 (2025)

South Bend, IN

+32.2%

$33,730 (2019) → $44,600 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Kokomo or South Bend?

Kokomo has a higher median medical assistant salary at $46,922/year, compared to South Bend at $46,817/year — a difference of $105 (0.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kokomo and South Bend?

Kokomo medical assistants earn $22.56/hr while South Bend hygienists earn $22.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kokomo to South Bend as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kokomo and South Bend. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kokomo = $52,340, South Bend = $50,418), job availability (170 vs 840 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Kokomo vs South Bend?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $39,175 in Kokomo and $38,681 in South Bend. The Kokomo area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

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