Lebanon vs Philadelphia: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Lebanon, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lebanon, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,651 | $48,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.95 | $23.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,122 | $40,204▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,707 | $43,699▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,549 | $50,113▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,002 | $56,054▲ |
| Total Employed | 180 | 13,150▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lebanon.
The salary gap between Lebanon and Philadelphia is $2,520 (5.52%). 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 Lebanon spans $12,880,Philadelphia spans $15,850. Philadelphia 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, Lebanon ($48,974 effective) pays 4.26% more than Philadelphia ($46,971 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lebanon if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,974)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,054)
- ✓Larger job market (13,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Lebanon grew 33.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Lebanon, PA
$32,500 (2019) → $43,490 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$35,200 (2019) → $45,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lebanon, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Lebanon or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lebanon and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Lebanon to Philadelphia as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Lebanon vs Philadelphia?
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