Metairie vs New Orleans: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Metairie, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Metairie, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,749▲ | $38,608 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.63▲ | $18.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,775 | $32,436▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,440 | $37,716▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,633 | $43,185▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,548▲ | $48,811 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 2,870▲ |
Verdict
Metairie, LA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Orleans.
The salary gap between Metairie and New Orleans is $141 (0.37%). Metairie's median is -19.21% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Metairie spans $23,773,New Orleans spans $16,375. Metairie 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, Metairie ($42,911 effective) pays 2.92% more than New Orleans ($41,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Metairie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,749/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,548)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,911)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Metairie grew 18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Metairie, LA
$31,122 (2024) → $36,914 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$30,820 (2019) → $36,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Metairie, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Metairie or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Metairie and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Metairie to New Orleans as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Metairie vs New Orleans?
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