Medical Assistant Pay

Macon vs Valdosta: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Macon, GA and Valdosta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Macon, GA
$40,308
$19.38/hr
Valdosta, GA
$37,075
$17.82/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMacon, GAValdosta, GA
Median Salary$40,308$37,075
Hourly Rate$19.38$17.82
Entry Level (P10)$35,984$31,092
25th Percentile$38,482$33,769
75th Percentile$46,922$38,860
Top Earner (P90)$49,913$44,759
Total Employed1,000340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Macon ($40,308) and Valdosta ($37,075) medical assistant salaries.MaconValdostaMedian Salary$40,308$37,075Entry Level (P10)$35,984$31,092Top Earner (P90)$49,913$44,759US Median $47,961

Verdict

Macon, GA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valdosta.

The salary gap between Macon and Valdosta is $3,233 (8.72%). Macon's median is -15.96% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Macon spans $13,929,Valdosta spans $13,667. Macon has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Macon
P10 (Entry)$35,984
P25$38,482
Median$40,308
P75$46,922
P90 (Top)$49,913
Valdosta
P10 (Entry)$31,092
P25$33,769
Median$37,075
P75$38,860
P90 (Top)$44,759

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Macon ($45,531 effective) pays 8.40% more than Valdosta ($42,001 effective).

Macon
Nominal: $40,308
CoL Index: 88.528
Adjusted: $45,531
Valdosta
Nominal: $37,075
CoL Index: 88.271
Adjusted: $42,001

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Macon if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,308/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($49,913)
  • Larger job market (1,000 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,531)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Valdosta if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Macon grew 30.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Valdosta over the same period.

Macon, GA

+30.6%

$29,400 (2019) → $38,400 (2025)

Valdosta, GA

+15.9%

$30,470 (2019) → $35,320 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Macon or Valdosta?

Macon has a higher median medical assistant salary at $40,308/year, compared to Valdosta at $37,075/year — a difference of $3,233 (8.72%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Macon and Valdosta?

Macon medical assistants earn $19.38/hr while Valdosta hygienists earn $17.82/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Macon to Valdosta as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Macon and Valdosta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Macon = $45,531, Valdosta = $42,001), job availability (1,000 vs 340 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Macon vs Valdosta?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $35,984 in Macon and $31,092 in Valdosta. The Macon area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

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