Baton Rouge vs Ruston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,734▲ | $36,419 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.62▲ | $17.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,693▲ | $30,587 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,952▲ | $31,359 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,424▲ | $38,358 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,895▲ | $44,754 |
| Total Employed | 2,180▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Ruston is $2,315 (6.36%). Baton Rouge's median is -19.24% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $18,202,Ruston spans $14,167. Baton Rouge 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, Baton Rouge ($42,668 effective) pays 5.79% more than Ruston ($40,331 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,734/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,895)
- ✓Larger job market (2,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,668)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Baton Rouge grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Ruston over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$31,150 (2019) → $36,900 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$29,524 (2024) → $34,695 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Baton Rouge or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Ruston?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Ruston as a medical assistant?
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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