Portland vs West Linn: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Portland, OR and West Linn, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | West Linn, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,035▲ | $50,894 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.38▲ | $24.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,454▲ | $39,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,173▲ | $44,757 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,284▲ | $54,961 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,446▲ | $65,184 |
| Total Employed | 6,390▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Linn.
The salary gap between Portland and West Linn is $8,141 (16.00%). Portland's median is +23.09% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $17,992,West Linn spans $25,824. West Linn 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, Portland ($55,999 effective) pays 12.89% more than West Linn ($49,604 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,035/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,446)
- ✓Larger job market (6,390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,999)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose West Linn if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Portland grew 33.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in West Linn over the same period.
Portland, OR
$42,010 (2019) → $56,240 (2025)
West Linn, OR
$47,727 (2024) → $48,484 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
West Linn, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Portland or West Linn?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and West Linn?
Should I relocate from Portland to West Linn as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Portland vs West Linn?
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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