Allentown vs Reading: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Allentown, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,656 | $47,877▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.91 | $23.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,262 | $38,923▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,896 | $41,180▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,042 | $49,745▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,470 | $58,111▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,640▲ | 730 |
Verdict
Reading, PA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Allentown.
The salary gap between Allentown and Reading is $221 (0.46%). Reading's median is -0.18% 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,Reading spans $19,188. Reading 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, Reading ($49,327 effective) pays 3.47% more than Allentown ($47,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Reading if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,877/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,111)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,327)
- ✓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 36.5% growth in Reading over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$34,720 (2019) → $45,400 (2025)
Reading, PA
$33,410 (2019) → $45,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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