Medical Assistant Pay

Birmingham vs Northport: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Birmingham, AL and Northport, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Birmingham, AL
$38,597
$18.56/hr
Northport, AL
$36,767
$17.68/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBirmingham, ALNorthport, AL
Median Salary$38,597$36,767
Hourly Rate$18.56$17.68
Entry Level (P10)$32,667$28,934
25th Percentile$36,970$30,434
75th Percentile$41,495$38,628
Top Earner (P90)$50,323$45,459
Total Employed3,7505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Birmingham ($38,597) and Northport ($36,767) medical assistant salaries.BirminghamNorthportMedian Salary$38,597$36,767Entry Level (P10)$32,667$28,934Top Earner (P90)$50,323$45,459US Median $47,961

Verdict

Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northport.

The salary gap between Birmingham and Northport is $1,830 (4.98%). 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,Northport spans $16,525. Birmingham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$32,667
P25$36,970
Median$38,597
P75$41,495
P90 (Top)$50,323
Northport
P10 (Entry)$28,934
P25$30,434
Median$36,767
P75$38,628
P90 (Top)$45,459

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($42,116 effective) pays 0.69% more than Northport ($41,828 effective).

Birmingham
Nominal: $38,597
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $42,116
Northport
Nominal: $36,767
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $41,828

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 Northport 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 20.0% growth in Northport over the same period.

Birmingham, AL

+21.8%

$30,180 (2019) → $36,770 (2025)

Northport, AL

+20.0%

$29,183 (2024) → $35,026 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Birmingham or Northport?

Birmingham has a higher median medical assistant salary at $38,597/year, compared to Northport at $36,767/year — a difference of $1,830 (4.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Northport?

Birmingham medical assistants earn $18.56/hr while Northport hygienists earn $17.68/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Birmingham to Northport as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Birmingham and Northport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Birmingham = $42,116, Northport = $41,828), job availability (3,750 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Birmingham vs Northport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $32,667 in Birmingham and $28,934 in Northport. The Birmingham area offers higher starting salaries.
EC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

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