Fairfax vs Roanoke: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Fairfax, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,297▲ | $39,658 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.38▲ | $19.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,163 | $37,716▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,330 | $38,576▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,097 | $44,119▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,961▲ | $46,743 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 670▲ |
Verdict
Fairfax, VA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Fairfax and Roanoke is $639 (1.61%). Fairfax's median is -15.98% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfax spans $15,798,Roanoke spans $9,027. Fairfax 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, Roanoke ($42,362 effective) pays 8.49% more than Fairfax ($39,047 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,297/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,961)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,362)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Fairfax grew -2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Fairfax, VA
$39,410 (2024) → $38,389 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$30,810 (2019) → $37,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfax, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Fairfax or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfax and Roanoke?
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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