Phoenix vs Sierra Vista: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Sierra Vista, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Sierra Vista, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,157▲ | $45,022 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.63▲ | $21.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,529▲ | $36,708 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,867▲ | $40,907 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,498▲ | $49,493 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,838 | $61,323▲ |
| Total Employed | 15,410▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sierra Vista.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Sierra Vista is $4,135 (9.18%). Phoenix's median is +2.49% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $17,309,Sierra Vista spans $24,615. Sierra Vista 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, Sierra Vista ($50,449 effective) pays 6.03% more than Phoenix ($47,579 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,157/year)
- ✓Larger job market (15,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Sierra Vista if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,323)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,449)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Phoenix grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in Sierra Vista over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$34,530 (2019) → $46,830 (2025)
Sierra Vista, AZ
$30,700 (2019) → $42,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Sierra Vista, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Phoenix or Sierra Vista?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Sierra Vista?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Sierra Vista as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Phoenix vs Sierra Vista?
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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