Corona vs Riverside: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Corona, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Corona, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,866▲ | $49,021 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.41▲ | $23.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,703 | $40,455▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,819 | $47,467▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,955▲ | $53,650 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,236▲ | $65,459 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 11,280▲ |
Verdict
Corona, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Corona and Riverside is $3,845 (7.84%). Corona's median is +10.23% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Corona spans $32,533,Riverside spans $25,004. Corona 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, Corona ($46,743 effective) pays 1.50% more than Riverside ($46,054 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Corona if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,866/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,236)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,743)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (11,280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Corona grew -16.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Corona, CA
$59,935 (2024) → $50,363 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$33,080 (2019) → $46,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Corona, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Corona or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Corona and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Corona to Riverside as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Corona vs Riverside?
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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