Ann Arbor vs Jackson: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Jackson, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Jackson, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,326▲ | $42,229 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.79▲ | $20.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,059▲ | $37,369 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,474▲ | $39,280 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,186▲ | $48,297 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,338▲ | $49,336 |
| Total Employed | 2,440▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Jackson is $3,097 (7.33%). Ann Arbor's median is -5.49% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $13,279,Jackson spans $11,967. Ann Arbor 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, Jackson ($46,012 effective) pays 2.41% more than Ann Arbor ($44,931 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,326/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,338)
- ✓Larger job market (2,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,012)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Ann Arbor grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$35,060 (2019) → $43,180 (2025)
Jackson, MI
$36,470 (2019) → $40,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Jackson, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Ann Arbor or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Jackson as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Ann Arbor vs Jackson?
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