Happy Valley vs Salem: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Happy Valley, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Happy Valley, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,944 | $52,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.01 | $25.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,932 | $45,798▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,307 | $50,071▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,924 | $62,352▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,176 | $65,249▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,090▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Happy Valley.
The salary gap between Happy Valley and Salem is $2,793 (5.59%). Salem's median is +9.96% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Happy Valley spans $22,244,Salem spans $19,451. Happy Valley 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, Salem ($50,880 effective) pays 4.52% more than Happy Valley ($48,678 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Happy Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,737/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,249)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,880)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Happy Valley grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Salem over the same period.
Happy Valley, OR
$46,836 (2024) → $47,579 (2025)
Salem, OR
$38,470 (2019) → $50,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Happy Valley, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Happy Valley or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Happy Valley and Salem?
Should I relocate from Happy Valley to Salem as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Happy Valley vs Salem?
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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