Raleigh vs Wake Forest: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,454▲ | $45,050 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.29▲ | $21.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,595▲ | $37,214 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,411▲ | $37,958 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,777▲ | $49,190 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,224 | $59,311▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,810▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wake Forest is $3,404 (7.56%). Raleigh's median is +1.03% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $19,629,Wake Forest spans $22,097. Wake Forest 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, Raleigh ($49,364 effective) pays 2.56% more than Wake Forest ($48,130 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,454/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,364)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wake Forest if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,311)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Raleigh grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$34,840 (2019) → $46,160 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$35,067 (2024) → $42,917 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Raleigh or Wake Forest?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wake Forest?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wake Forest as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Raleigh vs Wake Forest?
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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