Detroit vs Traverse City: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Detroit, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,369 | $44,696▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.89 | $21.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,934 | $37,516▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,458▲ | $38,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,097 | $49,241▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,173▲ | $50,270 |
| Total Employed | 12,400▲ | 430 |
Verdict
Detroit and Traverse City are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Detroit and Traverse City is $3,327 (8.04%). Traverse City's median is -6.81% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $16,239,Traverse City spans $12,754. Detroit 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, Traverse City ($47,869 effective) pays 16.06% more than Detroit ($41,246 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,173)
- ✓Larger job market (12,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,696/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,869)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Detroit grew 16.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.1% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$33,960 (2019) → $39,410 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$40,500 (2024) → $42,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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