Medical Assistant Pay

Hazleton vs Philadelphia: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Hazleton, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hazleton, PA
$44,001
$21.15/hr
Philadelphia, PA
$48,171
$23.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHazleton, PAPhiladelphia, PA
Median Salary$44,001$48,171
Hourly Rate$21.15$23.16
Entry Level (P10)$34,174$40,204
25th Percentile$38,769$43,699
75th Percentile$47,556$50,113
Top Earner (P90)$56,582$56,054
Total Employed713,150
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hazleton ($44,001) and Philadelphia ($48,171) medical assistant salaries.HazletonPhiladelphiaMedian Salary$44,001$48,171Entry Level (P10)$34,174$40,204Top Earner (P90)$56,582$56,054US Median $47,961

Verdict

Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hazleton.

The salary gap between Hazleton and Philadelphia is $4,170 (9.48%). Philadelphia's median is +0.44% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hazleton spans $22,408,Philadelphia spans $15,850. Hazleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hazleton
P10 (Entry)$34,174
P25$38,769
Median$44,001
P75$47,556
P90 (Top)$56,582
Philadelphia
P10 (Entry)$40,204
P25$43,699
Median$48,171
P75$50,113
P90 (Top)$56,054

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($46,971 effective) pays 3.98% more than Hazleton ($45,176 effective).

Hazleton
Nominal: $44,001
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $45,176
Philadelphia
Nominal: $48,171
CoL Index: 102.554
Adjusted: $46,971

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hazleton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($56,582)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Philadelphia if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,171/year)
  • Larger job market (13,150 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,971)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Hazleton grew 10.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.

Hazleton, PA

+10.9%

$37,808 (2024) → $41,918 (2025)

Philadelphia, PA

+30.4%

$35,200 (2019) → $45,890 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Hazleton or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a higher median medical assistant salary at $48,171/year, compared to Hazleton at $44,001/year — a difference of $4,170 (9.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hazleton and Philadelphia?

Hazleton medical assistants earn $21.15/hr while Philadelphia hygienists earn $23.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hazleton to Philadelphia as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hazleton and Philadelphia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hazleton = $45,176, Philadelphia = $46,971), job availability (7 vs 13,150 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Hazleton vs Philadelphia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $34,174 in Hazleton and $40,204 in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

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