Boulder vs Centennial: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Boulder, CO and Centennial, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Centennial, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,005 | $52,648▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.52 | $25.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,085▲ | $39,605 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,415▲ | $42,652 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,957▲ | $55,715 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,081 | $72,127▲ |
| Total Employed | 970▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Centennial, CO offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boulder.
The salary gap between Boulder and Centennial is $1,643 (3.22%). Centennial's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $19,996,Centennial spans $32,522. Centennial has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Centennial ($50,141 effective) pays 3.42% more than Boulder ($48,483 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Centennial if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,648/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,127)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,141)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Boulder grew 26.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.9% growth in Centennial over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$38,370 (2019) → $48,590 (2025)
Centennial, CO
$49,230 (2024) → $50,155 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Centennial, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Boulder or Centennial?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Centennial?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Centennial as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Boulder vs Centennial?
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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