Burien vs Seattle: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Burien, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burien, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,196 | $64,557▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.97 | $31.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,263 | $50,512▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,573 | $57,629▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,209 | $72,272▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,728 | $80,155▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 10,210▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burien.
The salary gap between Burien and Seattle is $6,361 (10.93%). Seattle's median is +34.60% 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,Seattle spans $29,643. 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, Seattle ($58,090 effective) pays 7.20% more than Burien ($54,186 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burien if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,557/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,155)
- ✓Larger job market (10,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,090)
- ✓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 31.0% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Burien, WA
$55,588 (2024) → $55,441 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$46,950 (2019) → $61,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burien, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Burien or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burien and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Burien to Seattle as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Burien vs Seattle?
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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