Birmingham vs Montgomery: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Birmingham, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,597▲ | $37,590 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.56▲ | $18.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,667▲ | $31,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,970▲ | $33,087 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,495▲ | $40,162 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,323▲ | $46,943 |
| Total Employed | 3,750▲ | 750 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Montgomery.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Montgomery is $1,007 (2.68%). 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 Birmingham spans $17,656,Montgomery spans $15,903. Birmingham 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, Birmingham ($42,116 effective) pays 0.48% more than Montgomery ($41,915 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,597/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,323)
- ✓Larger job market (3,750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,116)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Birmingham grew 21.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Montgomery over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$30,180 (2019) → $36,770 (2025)
Montgomery, AL
$27,690 (2019) → $35,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Montgomery, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Birmingham or Montgomery?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Montgomery?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Montgomery as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Birmingham vs Montgomery?
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