Allentown vs Pittsburgh: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Allentown, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,656▲ | $44,969 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.91▲ | $21.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,262▲ | $36,519 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,896▲ | $40,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,042▲ | $48,507 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,470▲ | $49,346 |
| Total Employed | 1,640 | 4,810▲ |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Allentown and Pittsburgh is $2,687 (5.98%). Allentown's median is -0.64% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $12,208,Pittsburgh spans $12,827. Pittsburgh 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, Allentown ($47,671 effective) pays 0.36% more than Pittsburgh ($47,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,656/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,470)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,671)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,810 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Allentown grew 30.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$34,720 (2019) → $45,400 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$31,950 (2019) → $42,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Allentown or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Allentown to Pittsburgh as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Allentown vs Pittsburgh?
Related Comparisons
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