Merced vs Sacramento: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Merced, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,778 | $65,050▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.08 | $31.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,369 | $47,583▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,199 | $51,089▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,147 | $80,858▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,020 | $81,971▲ |
| Total Employed | 700 | 7,410▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Merced and Sacramento is $23,272 (55.70%). Sacramento's median is +35.63% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merced spans $15,651,Sacramento spans $34,388. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($60,982 effective) pays 43.45% more than Merced ($42,511 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merced if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,050/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,971)
- ✓Larger job market (7,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,982)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Merced grew 35.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 55.5% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Merced, CA
$29,470 (2019) → $39,800 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$39,850 (2019) → $61,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merced, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Merced or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merced and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Merced to Sacramento as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Merced vs Sacramento?
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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