Chico vs Riverside: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Chico, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,493▲ | $49,021 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.80▲ | $23.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,991▲ | $40,455 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,160▲ | $47,467 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,295▲ | $53,650 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,355 | $65,459▲ |
| Total Employed | 770 | 11,280▲ |
Verdict
Chico and Riverside are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chico and Riverside is $472 (0.96%). Chico's median is +3.19% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $20,364,Riverside spans $25,004. Riverside 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, Chico ($48,908 effective) pays 6.20% more than Riverside ($46,054 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,493/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,908)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,459)
- ✓Larger job market (11,280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Chico grew 33.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Chico, CA
$35,350 (2019) → $47,150 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$33,080 (2019) → $46,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Chico or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Chico to Riverside as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Chico vs Riverside?
Related Comparisons
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