Canton vs Columbus: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Canton, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Canton, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,078 | $46,334▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.27 | $22.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,991 | $39,689▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,356 | $40,151▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,197 | $48,864▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,803 | $52,433▲ |
| Total Employed | 880 | 5,850▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Canton.
The salary gap between Canton and Columbus is $6,256 (15.61%). Columbus's median is -3.39% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Canton spans $10,812,Columbus spans $12,744. Columbus 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, Columbus ($48,533 effective) pays 8.27% more than Canton ($44,827 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Canton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,334/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,433)
- ✓Larger job market (5,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,533)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Canton grew 24.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Canton, OH
$30,720 (2019) → $38,180 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$33,900 (2019) → $44,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Canton, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Canton or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Canton and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Canton to Columbus as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Canton vs Columbus?
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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