Eugene vs Pendleton: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Eugene, OR and Pendleton, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Pendleton, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,464▲ | $50,450 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.22▲ | $24.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,668▲ | $42,226 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,003▲ | $43,375 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,725▲ | $53,112 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,110▲ | $60,045 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Eugene and Pendleton is $2,014 (3.99%). Eugene's median is +9.39% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $22,442,Pendleton spans $17,819. Eugene 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, Eugene ($51,654 effective) pays 5.05% more than Pendleton ($49,172 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,464/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,110)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,654)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Eugene grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Pendleton over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$40,490 (2019) → $49,980 (2025)
Pendleton, OR
$47,310 (2024) → $48,061 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Eugene or Pendleton?
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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