Durham vs Pinehurst: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Durham, NC and Pinehurst, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Pinehurst, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,759▲ | $45,693 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.44▲ | $21.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,658▲ | $36,918 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,395▲ | $38,807 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,086▲ | $47,037 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,439▲ | $50,533 |
| Total Employed | 1,800▲ | 310 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pinehurst.
The salary gap between Durham and Pinehurst is $3,066 (6.71%). Durham's median is +1.66% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $21,781,Pinehurst spans $13,615. Durham 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, Pinehurst ($51,726 effective) pays 3.51% more than Durham ($49,972 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,759/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,439)
- ✓Larger job market (1,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Pinehurst if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,726)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Durham grew 33.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.4% growth in Pinehurst over the same period.
Durham, NC
$34,870 (2019) → $46,450 (2025)
Pinehurst, NC
$39,790 (2024) → $43,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Pinehurst, NC
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