Columbus vs Milton: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Columbus, GA and Milton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Milton, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,842 | $38,404▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.19 | $18.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,711 | $32,437▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,075▲ | $33,426 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,980▲ | $39,724 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,974 | $49,993▲ |
| Total Employed | 900▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Milton, GA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Milton is $562 (1.49%). Milton's median is -19.93% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $15,263,Milton spans $17,556. Milton 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, Columbus ($42,378 effective) pays 2.73% more than Milton ($41,250 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,378)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Milton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,404/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,993)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Columbus grew 26.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Milton over the same period.
Columbus, GA
$28,620 (2019) → $36,050 (2025)
Milton, GA
$34,030 (2024) → $36,586 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, GA
Milton, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Columbus or Milton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Milton?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Milton as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Columbus vs Milton?
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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