Columbia vs Springfield: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Columbia, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,405▲ | $39,752 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.87▲ | $19.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,945 | $36,823▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,406▲ | $38,451 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,803▲ | $46,281 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,590▲ | $47,845 |
| Total Employed | 380 | 1,600▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, MO offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Columbia and Springfield is $3,653 (9.19%). Columbia's median is -9.50% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $17,645,Springfield spans $11,022. Columbia 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, Columbia ($48,531 effective) pays 8.15% more than Springfield ($44,874 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,405/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,590)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,531)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Columbia grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$31,490 (2019) → $41,350 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$27,680 (2019) → $37,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Columbia or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Springfield as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Columbia vs Springfield?
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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