Alexandria vs Roanoke: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Alexandria, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,544▲ | $39,658 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.33▲ | $19.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,938▲ | $37,716 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,198▲ | $38,576 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,316▲ | $44,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,636▲ | $46,743 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 670▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Roanoke is $8,886 (22.41%). Alexandria's median is +1.22% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $25,698,Roanoke spans $9,027. Alexandria 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, Alexandria ($47,039 effective) pays 11.04% 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 Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,544/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,636)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,039)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Alexandria grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$41,341 (2024) → $46,246 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$30,810 (2019) → $37,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Alexandria or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Roanoke as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Alexandria 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