Medical Assistant Pay

Anchorage vs Sitka: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Anchorage, AK and Sitka, AK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Anchorage, AK
$54,511
$26.21/hr
Sitka, AK
$47,012
$22.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnchorage, AKSitka, AK
Median Salary$54,511$47,012
Hourly Rate$26.21$22.60
Entry Level (P10)$48,150$40,271
25th Percentile$51,362$41,076
75th Percentile$64,357$49,055
Top Earner (P90)$68,272$57,028
Total Employed1,3705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Anchorage ($54,511) and Sitka ($47,012) medical assistant salaries.AnchorageSitkaMedian Salary$54,511$47,012Entry Level (P10)$48,150$40,271Top Earner (P90)$68,272$57,028US Median $47,961

Verdict

Anchorage, AK offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sitka.

The salary gap between Anchorage and Sitka is $7,499 (15.95%). Anchorage's median is +13.66% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anchorage spans $20,122,Sitka spans $16,757. Anchorage has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Anchorage
P10 (Entry)$48,150
P25$51,362
Median$54,511
P75$64,357
P90 (Top)$68,272
Sitka
P10 (Entry)$40,271
P25$41,076
Median$47,012
P75$49,055
P90 (Top)$57,028

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Anchorage ($51,708 effective) pays 16.70% more than Sitka ($44,309 effective).

Anchorage
Nominal: $54,511
CoL Index: 105.42
Adjusted: $51,708
Sitka
Nominal: $47,012
CoL Index: 106.1
Adjusted: $44,309

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Anchorage if…

  • Higher median salary ($54,511/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($68,272)
  • Larger job market (1,370 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,708)
  • You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle

Choose Sitka if…

  • You prefer the Alaska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Anchorage grew 16.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.8% growth in Sitka over the same period.

Anchorage, AK

+16.2%

$44,690 (2019) → $51,930 (2025)

Sitka, AK

+-4.8%

$47,051 (2024) → $44,786 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Anchorage or Sitka?

Anchorage has a higher median medical assistant salary at $54,511/year, compared to Sitka at $47,012/year — a difference of $7,499 (15.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Anchorage and Sitka?

Anchorage medical assistants earn $26.21/hr while Sitka hygienists earn $22.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Anchorage to Sitka as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Anchorage and Sitka. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Anchorage = $51,708, Sitka = $44,309), job availability (1,370 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Anchorage vs Sitka?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $48,150 in Anchorage and $40,271 in Sitka. The Anchorage area offers higher starting salaries.
EC

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