Lafayette vs New Orleans: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Lafayette, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,677 | $38,608▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.63 | $18.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,284 | $32,436▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,533 | $37,716▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,466 | $43,185▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $40,581 | $48,811▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,170 | 2,870▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and New Orleans is $1,931 (5.26%). New Orleans's median is -19.50% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $10,297,New Orleans spans $16,375. New Orleans 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, Lafayette ($42,056 effective) pays 0.87% more than New Orleans ($41,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,056)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,608/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,811)
- ✓Larger job market (2,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Lafayette grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$29,570 (2019) → $34,940 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$30,820 (2019) → $36,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Lafayette or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to New Orleans as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Lafayette vs New Orleans?
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