Indianapolis vs Richmond: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Richmond, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Richmond, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,231▲ | $45,493 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.67▲ | $21.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,340▲ | $35,351 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,198▲ | $40,238 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,050▲ | $47,610 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,235▲ | $55,945 |
| Total Employed | 6,580▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Richmond is $3,738 (8.22%). Indianapolis's median is +2.65% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $18,895,Richmond spans $20,594. Richmond has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($51,445 effective) pays 3.25% more than Richmond ($49,828 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,231/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,235)
- ✓Larger job market (6,580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,445)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Indianapolis grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$35,720 (2019) → $46,900 (2025)
Richmond, IN
$33,762 (2024) → $43,339 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Richmond, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Indianapolis or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Richmond as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Indianapolis vs Richmond?
Related Comparisons
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