Kennewick vs Mountlake Terrace: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Kennewick, WA and Mountlake Terrace, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Mountlake Terrace, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,346 | $54,127▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.64 | $26.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,282 | $46,549▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,483▲ | $47,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,300▲ | $57,753 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,656 | $67,719▲ |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Mountlake Terrace, WA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Mountlake Terrace is $781 (1.46%). Mountlake Terrace's median is +12.86% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $24,374,Mountlake Terrace spans $21,170. Kennewick 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, Kennewick ($53,304 effective) pays 5.77% more than Mountlake Terrace ($50,398 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,304)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Mountlake Terrace if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,127/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,719)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Kennewick grew 38.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.3% growth in Mountlake Terrace over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$36,790 (2019) → $50,820 (2025)
Mountlake Terrace, WA
$51,701 (2024) → $51,564 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Mountlake Terrace, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Kennewick or Mountlake Terrace?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Mountlake Terrace?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Mountlake Terrace as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Kennewick vs Mountlake Terrace?
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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