McLean vs Virginia Beach: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between McLean, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McLean, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,320 | $45,788▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.87 | $22.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,648 | $39,133▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,331 | $40,245▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,552 | $48,465▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,167▲ | $49,441 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 3,040▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McLean.
The salary gap between McLean and Virginia Beach is $4,468 (10.81%). Virginia Beach's median is -4.53% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McLean spans $18,519,Virginia Beach spans $10,308. McLean 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, Virginia Beach ($46,751 effective) pays 16.76% more than McLean ($40,039 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McLean if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,167)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,788/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,751)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in McLean grew -2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
McLean, VA
$40,412 (2024) → $39,364 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$33,010 (2019) → $43,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McLean, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: McLean or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between McLean and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from McLean to Virginia Beach as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in McLean vs Virginia Beach?
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