Coeur d'Alene vs Meridian: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Coeur d'Alene, ID and Meridian, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Meridian, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,625▲ | $43,694 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.89▲ | $21.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,905▲ | $35,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,655▲ | $37,197 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,582▲ | $46,425 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,078 | $58,377▲ |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Coeur d'Alene, ID offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Meridian is $3,931 (9.00%). Coeur d'Alene's median is -0.70% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene spans $17,173,Meridian spans $23,177. Meridian 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, Coeur d'Alene ($48,452 effective) pays 5.68% more than Meridian ($45,849 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coeur d'Alene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,625/year)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,452)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,377)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Coeur d'Alene grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$35,650 (2019) → $45,370 (2025)
Meridian, ID
$38,262 (2024) → $41,625 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Meridian, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Coeur d'Alene or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coeur d'Alene and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Coeur d'Alene to Meridian as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Coeur d'Alene vs Meridian?
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