Columbia vs Florence: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Columbia, SC and Florence, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Florence, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,702▲ | $40,718 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.53▲ | $19.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,170▲ | $35,606 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,143▲ | $38,367 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,045▲ | $48,024 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,903 | $50,459▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,190▲ | 420 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Florence.
The salary gap between Columbia and Florence is $1,984 (4.87%). Columbia's median is -10.97% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $12,733,Florence spans $14,853. Florence 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, Florence ($46,924 effective) pays 2.92% more than Columbia ($45,592 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 ($42,702/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,459)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,924)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Columbia grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.6% growth in Florence over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$30,010 (2019) → $40,680 (2025)
Florence, SC
$27,210 (2019) → $38,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Florence, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Columbia or Florence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Florence?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Florence as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Columbia vs Florence?
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