Auburn vs Birmingham: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Auburn, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,212 | $38,597▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.89 | $18.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,599 | $32,667▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,186 | $36,970▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $38,534 | $41,495▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,297 | $50,323▲ |
| Total Employed | 420 | 3,750▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Birmingham is $1,385 (3.72%). 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 Auburn spans $17,698,Birmingham spans $17,656. Auburn 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, Auburn ($42,319 effective) pays 0.48% 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 Auburn if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,319)
- ✓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 Auburn grew 18.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.8% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$29,880 (2019) → $35,450 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$30,180 (2019) → $36,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Auburn or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Birmingham as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Auburn vs Birmingham?
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