Cleveland vs Dayton: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,008▲ | $45,777 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.12▲ | $22.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,954▲ | $37,621 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,760▲ | $40,225 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,798▲ | $48,622 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,566▲ | $56,148 |
| Total Employed | 5,180▲ | 1,890 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $231 (0.50%). Cleveland's median is -4.07% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $18,612,Dayton spans $18,527. Cleveland 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, Dayton ($49,385 effective) pays 0.82% more than Cleveland ($48,985 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,008/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,566)
- ✓Larger job market (5,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,385)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Cleveland grew 25.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$34,940 (2019) → $43,830 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$34,170 (2019) → $43,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Cleveland vs Dayton?
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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