Burien vs Kennewick: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Burien, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burien, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,196▲ | $53,346 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.97▲ | $25.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,263▲ | $42,282 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,573▲ | $49,483 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,209▲ | $62,300 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,728▲ | $66,656 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 850▲ |
Verdict
Burien, WA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Burien and Kennewick is $4,850 (9.09%). Burien's median is +21.34% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burien spans $30,465,Kennewick spans $24,374. Burien 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, Burien ($54,186 effective) pays 1.66% more than Kennewick ($53,304 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burien if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,196/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,728)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,186)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Burien grew -0.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.1% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Burien, WA
$55,588 (2024) → $55,441 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$36,790 (2019) → $50,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burien, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Burien or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burien and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Burien to Kennewick as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Burien vs Kennewick?
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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