Laurel vs Salisbury: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Laurel, MD and Salisbury, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laurel, MD | Salisbury, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,797▲ | $42,975 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.94▲ | $20.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,047▲ | $37,548 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,593▲ | $38,765 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,725▲ | $48,181 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,633▲ | $49,777 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Laurel, MD offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between Laurel and Salisbury is $6,822 (15.87%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laurel spans $22,586,Salisbury spans $12,229. Laurel 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, Laurel ($45,560 effective) pays 1.37% more than Salisbury ($44,945 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,797/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,633)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,560)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Laurel grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Salisbury over the same period.
Laurel, MD
$45,685 (2024) → $47,439 (2025)
Salisbury, MD
$31,330 (2019) → $40,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laurel, MD
Salisbury, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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