Los Angeles vs Modesto: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Modesto, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Modesto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,134 | $52,475▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.10 | $25.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,106▲ | $40,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,108 | $48,612▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,573 | $70,120▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,615 | $81,961▲ |
| Total Employed | 39,770▲ | 1,870 |
Verdict
Modesto, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Modesto is $2,341 (4.67%). Modesto's median is +9.41% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $36,509,Modesto spans $41,201. Modesto 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, Modesto ($50,404 effective) pays 14.18% more than Los Angeles ($44,145 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (39,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,475/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,961)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,404)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Los Angeles grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.6% growth in Modesto over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$36,260 (2019) → $47,760 (2025)
Modesto, CA
$35,810 (2019) → $49,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Modesto, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Los Angeles or Modesto?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Modesto?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Modesto as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Los Angeles vs Modesto?
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