Anniston vs Birmingham: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Anniston, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anniston, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,635 | $38,597▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.61 | $18.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,903 | $32,667▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,218 | $36,970▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $37,947 | $41,495▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $45,295 | $50,323▲ |
| Total Employed | 320 | 3,750▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Anniston.
The salary gap between Anniston and Birmingham is $1,962 (5.36%). Birmingham's median is -19.52% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anniston spans $14,392,Birmingham spans $17,656. Birmingham 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, Anniston ($42,624 effective) pays 1.21% more than Birmingham ($42,116 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anniston if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,624)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,597/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,323)
- ✓Larger job market (3,750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Anniston grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.8% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Anniston, AL
$29,730 (2019) → $34,900 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$30,180 (2019) → $36,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anniston, AL
Birmingham, AL
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