Milwaukie vs Portland: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Milwaukie, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukie, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,265 | $59,035▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.21 | $28.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,871 | $48,454▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,841 | $51,173▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,117 | $64,284▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,595 | $66,446▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 6,390▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukie.
The salary gap between Milwaukie and Portland is $10,770 (22.31%). Portland's median is +23.09% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukie spans $18,724,Portland spans $17,992. Milwaukie 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, Portland ($55,999 effective) pays 19.04% more than Milwaukie ($47,042 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukie if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,035/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,446)
- ✓Larger job market (6,390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,999)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Milwaukie grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Milwaukie, OR
$45,262 (2024) → $45,980 (2025)
Portland, OR
$42,010 (2019) → $56,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukie, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Milwaukie or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukie and Portland?
Should I relocate from Milwaukie to Portland as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Milwaukie vs Portland?
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