Beaverton vs Salem: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Beaverton, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beaverton, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,206 | $52,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.10 | $25.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,638 | $45,798▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,399 | $50,071▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,529 | $62,352▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,593▲ | $65,249 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 1,090▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Beaverton.
The salary gap between Beaverton and Salem is $531 (1.02%). Salem's median is +9.96% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beaverton spans $29,955,Salem spans $19,451. Beaverton 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, Beaverton ($50,883 effective) pays 0.01% more than Salem ($50,880 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beaverton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,593)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,883)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,737/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Beaverton grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Salem over the same period.
Beaverton, OR
$48,956 (2024) → $49,734 (2025)
Salem, OR
$38,470 (2019) → $50,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beaverton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Beaverton or Salem?
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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