Medical Assistant Pay

Alpharetta vs Augusta: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Alpharetta, GA and Augusta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alpharetta, GA
$40,331
$19.39/hr
Augusta, GA
$40,382
$19.42/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlpharetta, GAAugusta, GA
Median Salary$40,331$40,382
Hourly Rate$19.39$19.42
Entry Level (P10)$31,627$33,727
25th Percentile$33,541$38,062
75th Percentile$42,832$45,326
Top Earner (P90)$50,937$50,837
Total Employed131,620
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alpharetta ($40,331) and Augusta ($40,382) medical assistant salaries.AlpharettaAugustaMedian Salary$40,331$40,382Entry Level (P10)$31,627$33,727Top Earner (P90)$50,937$50,837US Median $47,961

Verdict

Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Alpharetta.

The salary gap between Alpharetta and Augusta is $51 (0.13%). Augusta's median is -15.80% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alpharetta spans $19,310,Augusta spans $17,110. Alpharetta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Alpharetta
P10 (Entry)$31,627
P25$33,541
Median$40,331
P75$42,832
P90 (Top)$50,937
Augusta
P10 (Entry)$33,727
P25$38,062
Median$40,382
P75$45,326
P90 (Top)$50,837

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Augusta ($43,940 effective) pays 1.43% more than Alpharetta ($43,320 effective).

Alpharetta
Nominal: $40,331
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $43,320
Augusta
Nominal: $40,382
CoL Index: 91.903
Adjusted: $43,940

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alpharetta if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($50,937)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Augusta if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,382/year)
  • Larger job market (1,620 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,940)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Alpharetta grew 7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Augusta over the same period.

Alpharetta, GA

+7.5%

$35,737 (2024) → $38,421 (2025)

Augusta, GA

+24.0%

$31,030 (2019) → $38,470 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Alpharetta or Augusta?

Augusta has a higher median medical assistant salary at $40,382/year, compared to Alpharetta at $40,331/year — a difference of $51 (0.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alpharetta and Augusta?

Alpharetta medical assistants earn $19.39/hr while Augusta hygienists earn $19.42/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alpharetta to Augusta as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alpharetta and Augusta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alpharetta = $43,320, Augusta = $43,940), job availability (13 vs 1,620 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Alpharetta vs Augusta?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $31,627 in Alpharetta and $33,727 in Augusta. The Augusta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

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