Cincinnati vs Cleveland: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,544▲ | $46,008 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.38▲ | $22.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,810 | $38,954▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,036 | $40,760▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,325 | $49,798▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,286 | $57,566▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,560▲ | 5,180 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Cleveland is $536 (1.17%). Cincinnati's median is -2.95% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $14,476,Cleveland spans $18,612. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($48,985 effective) pays 0.37% more than Cincinnati ($48,804 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,544/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,566)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,985)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Cincinnati grew 27.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.4% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$34,870 (2019) → $44,340 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$34,940 (2019) → $43,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Cincinnati or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Cleveland as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Cincinnati vs Cleveland?
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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