Barnstable vs Boston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Barnstable, MA and Boston, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barnstable, MA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,860 | $53,262▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.49 | $25.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,083 | $48,360▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,150 | $50,333▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,070 | $62,100▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,980 | $65,606▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 10,750▲ |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Barnstable.
The salary gap between Barnstable and Boston is $4,402 (9.01%). Boston's median is +11.05% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barnstable spans $21,897,Boston spans $17,246. Barnstable 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, Boston ($49,195 effective) pays 9.25% more than Barnstable ($45,032 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Barnstable if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,262/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,606)
- ✓Larger job market (10,750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,195)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Barnstable grew -11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Boston over the same period.
Barnstable, MA
$52,734 (2024) → $46,547 (2025)
Boston, MA
$41,610 (2019) → $50,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Barnstable, MA
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Barnstable or Boston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Barnstable and Boston?
Should I relocate from Barnstable to Boston as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Barnstable vs Boston?
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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