Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,134 | $62,762▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.10 | $30.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,106 | $49,409▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,108 | $52,611▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,573 | $81,100▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,615 | $83,714▲ |
| Total Employed | 39,770▲ | 14,320 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $12,628 (25.19%). San Francisco's median is +30.86% 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,San Francisco spans $34,305. 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, San Francisco ($54,286 effective) pays 22.97% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (39,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,762/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,714)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,286)
- ✓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 23.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$36,260 (2019) → $47,760 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$48,370 (2019) → $59,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Los Angeles or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
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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