Columbus vs Cleveland: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Columbus, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,334▲ | $46,008 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.27▲ | $22.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,689▲ | $38,954 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,151 | $40,760▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,864 | $49,798▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,433 | $57,566▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,850▲ | 5,180 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Columbus and Cleveland is $326 (0.71%). Columbus's median is -3.39% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $12,744,Cleveland spans $18,612. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($48,985 effective) pays 0.93% more than Columbus ($48,533 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,334/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,566)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,985)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Columbus grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.4% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$33,900 (2019) → $44,140 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$34,940 (2019) → $43,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Columbus or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Cleveland as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Columbus vs Cleveland?
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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