Orlando vs Panama City: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Orlando, FL and Panama City, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Panama City, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,977▲ | $41,148 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.11▲ | $19.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,472▲ | $37,380 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,563▲ | $39,248 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,115▲ | $46,449 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,015▲ | $49,357 |
| Total Employed | 7,920▲ | 620 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Panama City.
The salary gap between Orlando and Panama City is $4,829 (11.74%). Orlando's median is -4.14% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $12,543,Panama City spans $11,977. Orlando 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, Orlando ($45,334 effective) pays 7.19% more than Panama City ($42,292 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,977/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,015)
- ✓Larger job market (7,920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,334)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Panama City if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Orlando grew 32.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Panama City over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$33,040 (2019) → $43,800 (2025)
Panama City, FL
$30,010 (2019) → $39,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Panama City, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Orlando or Panama City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Panama City?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Panama City as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Orlando vs Panama City?
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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