Annandale vs Richmond: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Annandale, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Annandale, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,046 | $46,701▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.25 | $22.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,762 | $39,689▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,194 | $40,655▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,088 | $48,192▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,179▲ | $49,273 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 3,210▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Annandale.
The salary gap between Annandale and Richmond is $6,655 (16.62%). Richmond's median is -2.63% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Annandale spans $18,417,Richmond spans $9,584. Annandale 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, Richmond ($47,723 effective) pays 22.98% more than Annandale ($38,804 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Annandale if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,179)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,701/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,723)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Annandale grew -2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.4% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Annandale, VA
$39,165 (2024) → $38,150 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$33,860 (2019) → $44,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Annandale, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Annandale or Richmond?
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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