Roanoke vs Winchester: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Roanoke, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,658 | $42,996▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.06 | $20.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,716 | $38,020▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,576 | $39,647▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,119 | $48,843▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,743 | $50,155▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 400 |
Verdict
Winchester, VA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Winchester is $3,338 (8.42%). Winchester's median is -10.35% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $9,027,Winchester spans $12,135. Winchester 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, Winchester ($44,579 effective) pays 5.23% more than Roanoke ($42,362 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,996/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,155)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,579)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Roanoke grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.7% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$30,810 (2019) → $37,780 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$29,740 (2019) → $40,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Roanoke or Winchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Winchester?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Winchester as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Roanoke vs Winchester?
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