Los Angeles vs San Luis Obispo: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,134 | $51,981▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.10 | $24.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,106▲ | $40,875 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,108▲ | $47,793 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,573 | $63,024▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,615▲ | $76,345 |
| Total Employed | 39,770▲ | 850 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo is $1,847 (3.68%). San Luis Obispo's median is +8.38% 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 Luis Obispo spans $35,470. 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 Luis Obispo ($47,866 effective) pays 8.43% 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 San Luis Obispo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,981/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,866)
- ✓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 17.8% growth in San Luis Obispo over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$36,260 (2019) → $47,760 (2025)
San Luis Obispo, CA
$42,050 (2019) → $49,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Los Angeles or San Luis Obispo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Los Angeles vs San Luis Obispo?
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