Atlanta vs Athens: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Atlanta, GA and Athens, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Athens, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,349▲ | $40,539 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.25▲ | $19.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,146▲ | $32,971 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,476▲ | $37,443 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,976▲ | $45,567 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,208▲ | $49,336 |
| Total Employed | 16,910▲ | 910 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Athens is $7,810 (19.27%). Atlanta's median is +0.81% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $23,062,Athens spans $16,365. Atlanta 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, Atlanta ($48,321 effective) pays 11.26% more than Athens ($43,430 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,349/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,208)
- ✓Larger job market (16,910 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,321)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Atlanta grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Athens over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$35,000 (2019) → $46,060 (2025)
Athens, GA
$34,070 (2019) → $38,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Athens, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Atlanta or Athens?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Athens?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Athens as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Atlanta vs Athens?
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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