Portsmouth vs Roanoke: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,842▲ | $39,658 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.64▲ | $19.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,488 | $37,716▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,312 | $38,576▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,704 | $44,119▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,131▲ | $46,743 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 670▲ |
Verdict
Portsmouth, VA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Roanoke is $1,184 (2.99%). Portsmouth's median is -14.84% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portsmouth spans $19,643,Roanoke spans $9,027. Portsmouth 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, Roanoke ($42,362 effective) pays 7.04% more than Portsmouth ($39,576 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,842/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,131)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,362)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Portsmouth grew -2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$39,944 (2024) → $38,908 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$30,810 (2019) → $37,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Portsmouth or Roanoke?
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What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Portsmouth vs Roanoke?
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