Ann Arbor vs Pontiac: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Pontiac, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Pontiac, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,326▲ | $40,526 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.79▲ | $19.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,059▲ | $32,149 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,474▲ | $33,948 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,186▲ | $43,254 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,338▲ | $51,696 |
| Total Employed | 2,440▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pontiac.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Pontiac is $4,800 (11.84%). 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,Pontiac spans $19,547. Pontiac 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, Ann Arbor ($44,931 effective) pays 3.33% more than Pontiac ($43,483 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,931)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Pontiac if…
- ✓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 7.2% growth in Pontiac over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$35,060 (2019) → $43,180 (2025)
Pontiac, MI
$35,999 (2024) → $38,607 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Pontiac, MI
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