Grants Pass vs Portland: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Grants Pass, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grants Pass, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,026 | $59,035▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.53 | $28.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,814 | $48,454▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,105 | $51,173▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,555 | $64,284▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,615 | $66,446▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 6,390▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grants Pass.
The salary gap between Grants Pass and Portland is $8,009 (15.70%). Portland's median is +23.09% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grants Pass spans $18,801,Portland spans $17,992. Grants Pass 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, Portland ($55,999 effective) pays 7.29% more than Grants Pass ($52,195 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grants Pass if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,035/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,446)
- ✓Larger job market (6,390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,999)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Grants Pass grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Grants Pass, OR
$36,530 (2019) → $48,610 (2025)
Portland, OR
$42,010 (2019) → $56,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grants Pass, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Grants Pass or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grants Pass and Portland?
Should I relocate from Grants Pass to Portland as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Grants Pass vs Portland?
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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