Medical Assistant Pay

Mobile vs Pelham: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Mobile, AL and Pelham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mobile, AL
$38,157
$18.35/hr
Pelham, AL
$34,821
$16.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMobile, ALPelham, AL
Median Salary$38,157$34,821
Hourly Rate$18.35$16.74
Entry Level (P10)$31,921$29,884
25th Percentile$36,771$30,482
75th Percentile$39,521$36,425
Top Earner (P90)$45,494$42,219
Total Employed1,3104
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mobile ($38,157) and Pelham ($34,821) medical assistant salaries.MobilePelhamMedian Salary$38,157$34,821Entry Level (P10)$31,921$29,884Top Earner (P90)$45,494$42,219US Median $47,961

Verdict

Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pelham.

The salary gap between Mobile and Pelham is $3,336 (9.58%). Mobile's median is -20.44% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mobile spans $13,573,Pelham spans $12,335. Mobile has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mobile
P10 (Entry)$31,921
P25$36,771
Median$38,157
P75$39,521
P90 (Top)$45,494
Pelham
P10 (Entry)$29,884
P25$30,482
Median$34,821
P75$36,425
P90 (Top)$42,219

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mobile ($43,312 effective) pays 9.33% more than Pelham ($39,614 effective).

Mobile
Nominal: $38,157
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $43,312
Pelham
Nominal: $34,821
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $39,614

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mobile if…

  • Higher median salary ($38,157/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($45,494)
  • Larger job market (1,310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,312)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Pelham if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Mobile grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.0% growth in Pelham over the same period.

Mobile, AL

+30.1%

$27,950 (2019) → $36,350 (2025)

Pelham, AL

+20.0%

$27,638 (2024) → $33,172 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Mobile or Pelham?

Mobile has a higher median medical assistant salary at $38,157/year, compared to Pelham at $34,821/year — a difference of $3,336 (9.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mobile and Pelham?

Mobile medical assistants earn $18.35/hr while Pelham hygienists earn $16.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mobile to Pelham as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mobile and Pelham. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mobile = $43,312, Pelham = $39,614), job availability (1,310 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Mobile vs Pelham?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $31,921 in Mobile and $29,884 in Pelham. The Mobile area offers higher starting salaries.
EC

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