Los Angeles vs Palo Alto: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Palo Alto, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Palo Alto, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,134 | $50,579▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.10 | $24.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,106▲ | $40,888 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,108▲ | $42,943 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,573▲ | $55,663 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,615▲ | $67,319 |
| Total Employed | 39,770▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Palo Alto are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Palo Alto is $445 (0.89%). Palo Alto's median is +5.46% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $36,509,Palo Alto spans $26,431. Los Angeles 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, Palo Alto ($44,721 effective) pays 1.30% more than Los Angeles ($44,145 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,615)
- ✓Larger job market (39,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Palo Alto if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,579/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,721)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Los Angeles grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -16.0% growth in Palo Alto over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$36,260 (2019) → $47,760 (2025)
Palo Alto, CA
$57,341 (2024) → $48,184 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Palo Alto, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Los Angeles or Palo Alto?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Palo Alto?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Palo Alto as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Los Angeles vs Palo Alto?
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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